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Brief

A design competition for innovative and accessible duplex designs, meant to serve as models for Missing Middle housing in the Omaha metro that can provide affordability while serving the increasing number of residents over the age of 50.

 

Like many communities, the Omaha metro area is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. And due to rapid increases in housing prices, rent, and property tax, many older residents are stuck in homes that were not designed to accommodate aging in place. More diverse housing options designed with the needs of all residents in mind will be necessary to create both affordability and accessibility.

 

Because duplexes are allowed in a wide range of residential zones, can be built under residential code standards, and have the same permit submission requirements as single-family homes, duplexes are an ideal starting point for accelerating the production of Missing Middle housing in the Omaha metro. Similar to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), duplexes also have inherent features that lend themselves to aging in place. For example, a duplex can provide an older resident with the ability to live adjacent to an adult child or caretaker, or provide a supplemental source of income that makes it easier to remain in a neighborhood as property values rise. 

 

Duplex by Design is a companion to Omaha by Design’s  Affordable by Design program, which leverages design innovation to create affordability. The first iteration of Affordable by Design resulted in the Affordable by Design Playbook, a book of plans for innovative single-family homes which were specifically designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and abilities through universal design. A second Playbook chapter featuring Missing Middle housing designs is currently in progress. The results of Duplex by Design will become another chapter in this growing body of local design knowledge. The competition will also build on the success of AARP Nebraska’s An ADU for U competition, a similar competition centered on Accessory Dwelling Units that was completed in 2023.  

 

One of the challenges surrounding duplexes, as well as other Missing Middle housing types, is negative community perception. There are many reasons for this perception, but design quality is a key driver. This competition can play a key role in shining a spotlight on how duplexes can be designed as high-quality additions to existing neighborhoods, providing choice and affordability while maintaining the character of Omaha’s neighborhoods.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

 

What

Registration Opens

Virtual Information Session for Applicants

Webinar: A Deep Dive into Age-Friendly Design

Registration Closes

Submission Portal Opens

Submission Deadline

Winners Announced

When

July 22

August 8

August 15

September 16

September 16

October 18

November 8

AWARDS

 

Cash Awards:

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1st Place        $2500

2nd Place       $1500

3rd Place.       $1000

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Winning entries will be:

  • showcased at a community open house during the month of November.

  • featured  in a press release, in local media, on betterlivingdesign.org as well as other digital media outlets. 

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DEVELOPMENT SITE

To help center the designs around a specific neighborhood context, 2235 and 2237 N 20th St, two adjacent lots owned by the
Omaha Municipal Land Bank, have been selected as the subject property for the submitted designs.  For the sake of this project, designers should treat both lots as a single combined lot. The site is located less than two miles north of downtown, across the street from the Schenzel Community Center.

Conceptual site plans should reflect the use of the selected site, and designers are encouraged to create designs that respond to the context and character of the neighborhood.

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Additional site information and details about the competition can be found in the Competition Guide.

Download Guide

COMPETITION
REGISTRATION

Registration is required but there is no fee. Registration will close on 9.16.2024.

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DxD Registration
Submit Portal
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