View of the Freiden Micro Apartments' exterior
Interior view of the Freiden Micro Apartments
View of a kitchen in the Freiden Micro Apartments

Freiden “Micro” Apartments

LOCATION
Omaha, Nebraska

AREA
8,300 GSF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In the 1920s the Freiden family lived above their grocery business and rented out the spare rooms to workers. Since then, the upper floors of the historic building had remained empty until a new development took on the challenge of restoring them to a dozen residential “micro” units varying in size from 317 to 572 square feet. Additionally, the street-level once again serves as retail space, a restaurant, and is now a part of the developing Flatiron District.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Alvine Engineering was commissioned to design various systems on each level of the Freiden building.

  • New HVAC equipment was designed for the first level and basement, as well as the residential units.
  • Existing electrical system was completely removed due to its age and condition. A new system was designed to provide adequate power and lighting systems for the unique needs of each level of the building.
  • Intelligent micro-processor based addressable fire alarm system is utilized for the building and is capable of being monitored by an off-site security company.
  • Utilities were separated to accommodate multiple tenants.
  • Plumbing design for new restrooms on the first level was included in addition to plumbing design for the residential units on the second and third levels.
  • Designed infrastructure for a first floor commercial kitchen, including the make-up air path, grease duct, and grease trap.
  • Entire building utilizes a wet-sprinkler system to protect against fire damage.
  • Security camera design was provided for the interior corridor, lobby, storage views, and the exterior of the structure.

Photography credit: William Hess Photography

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Exterior view of the Mule Barn located on the MCC campusAn exterior view of the PLICO Flatiron Building