MONROE — Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) opened the doors to the first project house of the Home Construction Cooperative to celebrate and give recognition to the hard work and support of all involved. In addition to the donation of the home by SSM Health Monroe, GCDC received grant funds and additional donations from local banks, businesses and private donors to provide over $140,000 in support of the program.
The program, which began with the 2023-24 school year brought Monroe High School, Skilled Building Trades LAUNCH students together to gain in-demand, home renovation and construction skills. With only one hour per day, several days per week, students, teachers, and specialty contractors updated and transformed a home donated by SSM Health Monroe.
Students completed bathroom and kitchen demolition and worked alongside local contractors and instructors to learn HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry and landscaping. The home features new, energy efficient windows and exterior doors, updated plumbing and electric service, new central air unit, and a fully renovated bathroom.
The newly renovated kitchen was designed by students, and includes a small pantry, island, and new appliances. A new patio door and deck were added to open the kitchen space to the outdoors. New vinyl flooring, refinished hardwoods, light fixtures, and accents, along with fresh paint throughout complete the inside.
Additional work included drywall in the garage, freshly poured sidewalk and driveway, new shutters, and exterior lighting, along with landscape clean up and fresh planting. Local contractors provided instruction to teach the students other trades like electrical, plumbing, landscaping, and HVAC.
As students gave tours, attendees noted the “pride in the voices of the students as they explained what they did throughout the school year to transform the home.” GCDC’s Olivia Otte reflected on the community effort that made this project possible, and thanked the donors, attendees, teachers, and students for making the Home Construction Cooperative a huge success.
The home, located on 5th Street in Monroe, will be listed for sale in the coming weeks. All proceeds from the sale will be put back into the program to support next year’s new build planned on a vacant parcel donated by the City of Monroe. Program goals include expansion throughout Green County. Inquiries and interest in donating or being a part of the Home Construction Cooperative can be directed to GCDC.
Donors and supporters of the program include: SSM Health Monroe, School District of Monroe, Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, Inc, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), Alliant Energy, The Bank of New Glarus, Woodford State Bank, First Community Credit Union, Green Bay Packer Foundation, Monona Plumbing And Fire Protection Inc, First National Bank and Trust (Monroe, WI), CGSchmidt, Schlect Family Foundation, Builders FirstSource, Prosperity Southwest, Duxstad McDaniel Law Group, SC, Summit Credit Union, Greenwoods State Bank, Buehler Interiors, Kundert Construction, Monroe Morning Optimists, Marine Credit Union, Veridian Homes, Maz Electric, First Weber Realtors — Jeff Twitty Conway, Monroe Lions Club, Father Campions Champions, Monroe Kiwanis, Monson Septic Pumping & Portable Restrooms LLC, Monroe Excellence in Education, Santos Concrete, Josh D Landscaping & Design, The Garden Spot, Green County Master Gardeners Association, Dane’s Lemonade Stand.
GCDC is a nonprofit Public/Private Partnership organization that exists to encourage economic development while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work. Contact information can be found at www.greencountydevelopment.com.
