Coming Soon

Design. Build. Grow.

Building a Sustainable Future Together in 2026

In 2025, we’re breaking ground on a new chapter at the Benson Community Garden: a project we’re calling “Villa Terra.” This isn’t just about building a small, eco-friendly structure—it’s about creating a community hub that embodies sustainability, affordability, and the spirit of collaboration.

We envision Villa Terra as a beautifully designed, versatile space—around 15 feet wide by 25 feet long—that’s both practical and inspiring. It will serve as a creative studio, a community meeting spot, and occasionally an Airbnb. Attached to the south of the structure will be a large greenhouse where we can start seeds and grow year-round.

Omaha, like many other cities across the United States, struggles with a lack of affordable homes. If we are successful in our community-based planning and development, this model can be shared and replicated on other lots throughout Omaha (and beyond!).

To make this vision a reality, we’re inviting businesses, learning institutions, industry experts, and anyone passionate about affordable home ownership, sustainability and construction to get involved. We’ll be hosting individual meetings, roundtable discussions, and community feedback sessions to shape Villa Terra into something truly extraordinary—a space that adds beauty and value to our neighborhood while staying as eco-friendly and practical as possible.

Ultimately, we want to document this journey carefully, learning alongside the community and partnering with bright young minds and experienced professionals alike. By the end of this process, we hope Villa Terra becomes not just a building, but a beacon of what’s possible: a replicable, affordable, and environmentally friendly model that inspires others to do the same.

We’re incredibly excited to have you along for the journey. If you have skills in building, design, solar, plumbing, or if you just want to share your thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make Villa Terra truly remarkable.

If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact Kurt Goetzinger by email bensongardens@gmail.com or calling 402-714-0290

Progression Steps

Groundwork & Visioning

Design: meet with experts in construction, sustainability, and affordable housing.
Define land and structure layout (studio, greenhouse, utilities, systems)
Seek early feedback from community partners, neighbors, and students
Begin administrative tasks: confirm zoning, permits, utility decisions

Site Prep & Materials Gathering

Where vision meets action.

Grade and prep the land (earth berm, drainage, pad layout)
Order major materials: concrete, metal roof, solar, batteries, mini split
Begin sourcing reclaimed and donated materials — great chance for volunteer outreach and story-building