Sounds good, how about a Shimano Nexus 7 or 8 sp instead. They will fit modern 130mm spacing and have a coaster brake optional. Actually, the European version, Alfine, supports a disc.
Tim
An interesting suggestion, but the 7-8 speed hubs weigh almost twice as much as the 3 speed, and I don't think I need more than 3 gears. I plan to gear for and mainly run in the direct drive like it was a single speed, but of course I'll have a low and a high if conditions require.