The former Habitat for Humanity Omaha headquarters at north 24th St. seemed like a maze. Employees navigated tight turns around cubicles and card tables, hoping to find a quiet meeting corner. Restrooms were converted to meeting spaces, utilizing each square inch, but the office felt claustrophobic, ineffective, and inhospitable.
Chief executive officer Amanda Brewer desired more for her staff of over 90 employees. Expansion wouldn’t work since the cost seemed more like an expensive band-aid, so the board advised seeking out empty spaces.
Lacey Studnicka, the chief program officer, toured the Ashton in Millwork Commons, which welcomed her with a timeless brick façade on the exterior. After walking through empty rooms on the second floor, Studnicka couldn’t visualize the end goal for the nonprofit until the broker showed her a completed look one level up. She saw a bright blue bookshelf, ironically one of Habitat’s colors, and knew it fit the positive vibes of their brand. Habitat offers homeownership and educational opportunities for families in need.
“(Families) are all working hard to make their dreams happen,” Studnicka said. “This space matches that energy.”
The third floor’s 2,300 square feet doubles the room from the previous building that still houses construction warehouse production. Flywheel sold their company to WP Engine, leaving behind a completed design by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, who formed a warm and hospitable environment. Clark Creative Group added branding such as a flashy neon sign in cool blue tones that says, “It Takes All of Us,” but the nonprofit preferred to keep most of the changes to a minimum since the original aesthetic blended naturally with their altruistic ambiance.
“When people come to Habitat, they can have the courage to hope,” Brewer mentioned. “And this space re-enforces that. It’s bright, it’s beautiful…and it elevates our employees and homeowner partners.”
Colorful art of the city greets guests, a “where they build” county guide with vibrant images of neighborhoods in the city. Blonde wood floors pair with gray brick and wooden ceiling beams to create a sense of serenity. Collaboration spots can now occur on relaxed navy couches or mustard chairs under soft LED lights instead of the hallways, while a white noise system ensures privacy. Meeting room names come from neighborhoods like historic Benson. Personnel can take advantage of other businesses in the building like Archetype Coffee, which they can enjoy on the patio.
“Staff comes from a place where we were so industrial and scrappy to a high-tech, decorated, higher-end one. You feel proud,” said Studnicka, whose department once worked out of a converted restroom.
Brewer recalled a Nepalese family sitting around one of the smaller tables to sign a purchase agreement with their shoes off, a cultural tradition.
“I felt so happy that the space afforded them that level of comfort,” Brewer added.
Plus, the additional room allows for gatherings such as nonprofit get-togethers and strategy sessions. Habitat even hosted a long-time volunteer celebration of life that shows “how meaningful the work is,” according to Brewer. The bookcase now displays lively photos of families and volunteers.
The connectivity also rests in the wood, the beams, and the brick because the building used to house the Millwork factory that once made the crown molding and trim for Habitat.
“It marries the past, the present, and the future work that happens here. I love it,” Brewer added.
Visit habitatomaha.org for more information.
This article originally appeared in the February/March 2025 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
