Media tour this Thursday 3/12 - OurStory Small Houses
Media tour this Thursday of two innovative aging-ready small homes under construction in Omaha
Demonstration project tests scalable housing model for older adults, workforce households, and first-time buyers.
Aerial view of the Corby House (left) and Benson House construction site in Omaha. Image credit: Ashton Olvera. All renderings provided by FACT.
WHAT: Media site visit and interview opportunity
WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 11 a.m. to noon
WHERE: 5802 Corby St., Omaha, NE 68104
WHO: Partners for Livable Omaha; University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Architecture; Holy Name Housing Corporation; Spark Capital; project architects, builders and housing partners
Download high resolution images and b-roll here.
RVSP/MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaylea Kuhlman
Partners for Livable Omaha
kaylea@livable.org
402-640-0654
Corby House
Reality vs Render
OMAHA, Neb. (March 3, 2026) — Two small homes designed to expand housing options for people often underserved by the current market are now under construction in Omaha’s historic Benson neighborhood as part of the OurStory Small Houses initiative. Media are invited to tour the site on March 12 at 11 a.m.
The homes are the first full-scale demonstration of standardized small-home designs developed to support independence for older adults and other populations seeking accessibility features, as well as workforce households and first-time buyers. By building and evaluating the homes in real-world conditions, OurStory is showing how small housing can be delivered more efficiently and replicated by builders and communities across Nebraska and the Midwest.
“Too many people, who want to remain independent and close to their support networks, can’t find a home designed for their needs or monthly budget,” said Jessica Scheuerman, executive director of Partners for Livable Omaha. “OurStory is demonstrating that homes designed for all ages and stages of life can be built today, and scaled so more people have the opportunity to live safely and independently in their own communities.”
With the exterior walls and roofs now in place, visitors can see the full form of the homes and learn how the project is advancing new approaches to aging-ready housing design, workforce training and construction.
“I’m pleased to support this unique partnership,” said Omaha City Council Member Pete Festersen. “We need innovative and creative approaches to help address our affordable housing needs throughout the community.”
Designed by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Architecture’s FACT studio, the homes allow residents to live comfortably as their mobility and daily needs change.
“Corby House and Benson House show how a smaller home can still feel generous, dignified, and connected to its neighborhood,” said Jeffrey L. Day, FAIA, professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Architecture and founding partner of Actual Architecture Company. “The interiors use tall ceilings, carefully placed windows, and integrated storage to create flexible spaces that can adapt over time while fitting naturally within the Benson community.”
Interior progress of Benson House, showing SIPs panels after install. Image credit: FACT.
The homes use prefabricated structural insulated panels (SIPs). These factory-built exterior wall and roof panels provide continuous insulation, reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency, which can help lower heating and cooling needs.
“We pride ourselves on creating a product that withstands the test of time and Nebraska’s toughest weather,” said Phillip Henderson, co-founder of S-Panels Omaha. “It shows how modern prefabrication can improve performance while helping communities deliver housing more efficiently.”
The two homes are expected to be completed later this year. They will be sold. Over the years, the homes will continue to be studied as models for architects, builders and housing leaders working to expand aging-ready housing across the region.
About Partners for Livable Omaha
Partners for Livable Omaha is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the livability of communities through design-based solutions, workforce development, and the OurStory Small Houses initiative. Learn more at www.livable.org/ourstory.
Exterior rendering of Corby House (left) and Benson House. Image credit: FACT.
