UNL and Partners for Livable Omaha Announce Exhibition and Lecture, OurStory: Building Aging-Ready Housing at Scale
Exhibition and Lecture Opens Dec. 12 at Joslyn Castle & Gardens in Omaha
Omaha and Lincoln, Neb. – Partners for Livable Omaha invites the public to experience “OurStory: Building Aging-Ready Housing at Scale,” an exhibition and lecture. The exhibition opens on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the historic Joslyn Castle & Gardens Carriage House at 3902 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE 68131.
The “OurStory: Building Aging-Ready Housing at Scale” exhibition features work created by undergraduate architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design students mentored by professor and architect Jeffrey L. Day, FAIA.
The evening includes a public reception from 5 to 8 p.m., with a lecture at 6 p.m. led by Day.
The exhibition showcases design proposals developed in collaboration with FACT, the College of Architecture’s student designbuild studio directed by Day. Projects explore practical and scalable approaches to creating housing that accommodates the needs of an aging society while appealing to all, including first-time homeowners.
Jeffrey L Day, FAIA (far left) and Jessica Scheuerman (far right) with the Fall 2025 FACT students, UNL College of Architecture’s designbuild studio. Photograph by Kerry McCullough-Vondrak, UNL
According to AARP, the population of the United States is rapidly aging, with 1 in 5 Americans to be 65 or older by 2030. Yet only 1% of existing homes have all of the following key accessibility features: a zero-step entrance, single-story living, wide halls and doorways, lever-style handles, and electrical controls that are accessible from a wheelchair.
Now, more than ever, our communities and people of all ages need more and different housing options than what's commonly available, and often unaffordable.
“We know older Nebraskans want to age in place, but they need affordable, age-friendly homes to do it,” said Todd Stubbendieck, AARP Nebraska State Director. “AARP Nebraska proudly supports the OurStory project for advancing smart, inclusive housing design.”
“We're excited to explore new housing types that push the boundaries of what affordable homes can be,” said Matthew Cavanaugh, Executive Director of Holy Name Housing Corporation, which is the general contractor for the OurStory houses under construction now.
“Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do, and we're thrilled to work alongside organizations like Partners for a Livable Omaha that share our passion for creating stronger communities,” said Cavanaugh.
The first two OurStory houses, known as Corby House & Benson House, are under construction now in Omaha’s historic Benson-Country Club community.
"Older adults want to remain in their communities as they age, and our communities need to prepare for this growing demand throughout Omaha's housing market," said Jessica Scheuerman, executive director of Partners for Livable Omaha.
“Through this exhibition, we are bringing residents of communities where OurStory Small Houses can be easily built into an active conversation about new housing opportunities that work better for everyone."
Project goals, design and construction progress images can be seen here: www.factlab.org/project/ourstory. To view images of OurStory houses for sale now, visit www.OurStoryHouses.com.
The exhibition continues through December 30, 2025, and will be viewable during tours, special events, open houses, and by appointment.
Professor and architect Jeffrey L Day, FAIA, working with a few FACT students on the OurStory design.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Opening & Lecture
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Reception: 5 – 8 p.m.
Lecture: 6 p.m.
Location:
Joslyn Castle & Gardens – Carriage House
3902 Davenport Street
Omaha, NE 68131
Gallery Hours:
December 13–30, 2025
Open during tours, special events, open houses, and by appointment
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSORS!
Nebraska Cultural Endowment and Humanities Nebraska
THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBITION SPONSORS & ADVISORS!
Actual Architecture Co., AARP, AIA, sPanels, AOI, Spark, Holy Name Housing Corporation, Lozier Foundation, City of Omaha Planning Department, Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, Sherwin Williams, Joslyn Castle & Gardens, Castle & Cathedral District, and Dundee Bank
