wide tires run at lower pressure will help with bad road surfaces, and thick spokes will help the wheel be durable. hubs, as long as they're sealed or maintained properly, will not be a factor in wheel durability. i'd go with all city hubs or formulas if you don't want the color option.

i would probably try to steal the bike as listed in washington dc. (not really, but it sounds like a theif's dream). that alone is reason enough for me to not get omniums and just get stem seatpost cranks hubs and all with cheaper components like all city or origin8 or dimension or andel or any of the thousands of rebranded dimension products.

so yeah, i think you should get a frame that fits 32c tires and run them at about 70psi. that will be more comfortable, easier to handle hazards, and absorb impacts and vibrations that would otherwise be absorbed by your wheels.

handbuilding wheels is not easy, i've heard. make sure your friend and you are up to it.