Benson & Corby Houses

About the project

Corby and Benson are the first two OurStory Small Houses, built in Omaha's historic Benson neighborhood. Designed by the UNL FACT studio and led by Partners for Livable Omaha, the houses were built in collaboration with Holy Name Housing and a range of consultants and subcontractors. They are prototype aging-ready homes that aim for affordability through design, finance and policy, and they are designed to appeal to first-time buyers and people looking to downsize.

The all-electric, space-efficient concept uses structural insulated panels (SIPs) for the exterior walls and roof, along with heat pumps and prefabricated components to reduce construction time and improve energy efficiency. S-Panels Omaha handled the SIP construction.

Project Details

• Corby House (5802 Corby St): An 802-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home. It has been sold to a local artist.
• Benson House (2806 N 58th St): A 602-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bath home. It is still for sale, listed at $200,000.
• Goal: To create smaller, affordable homes on infill lots that meet the needs of an aging population and first-time homebuyers.
• Partners: UNL FACT studio (design and fabrication), Partners for Livable Omaha (developer and design partner), and Holy Name Housing (general contractor), with S-Panels Omaha on SIP construction.
• City support: The City of Omaha approved the lot subdivision through its Planned Unit Redevelopment process, with unanimous City Council approval.
• Construction timeline: Ground was broken in June 2025, SIP installation began in February 2026, and a ribbon cutting was held on September 14, 2026.

Project background: FACT, Corby + Benson.