In August 2024, LRCC Construction teacher Jon Shellenberger’s construction classes began to embark on the house-building project for this school year. A total of 30 students from various LRCC construction classes worked on the house during this year’s project.
“I’m ready and happy with how the house turned out. It’s a great design that would be suitable for a wide range of potential buyers. The students worked very hard this year and did a great job on completing the house! It will make a beautiful new home for a lucky family,” from Shellenberger.
The house, located on Helm Street in Paoli, was funded by Jamey and Stori Sullivan.
“Years ago, Jon and I were talking about him needing to find someone to fund a build. I just said if you ever don’t have anyone, we’d be happy to help out. It makes his life easier, as we aren’t building it to live in. As long as he makes it sellable, we are happy,” said Jamey.
The Sullivans did not just provide financial support but were there to help with the decision-making throughout the process.
“Jamey and Stori Sullivan have been great to work with on the build. Stori handled most of the design and color choices, and they were both very trusting and supportive of the construction program and students. I appreciated how they allowed the students to have ownership in the project and were very supportive of ideas and design aspects the students had for the house,” said Shellenberger.
As the project was built, the students had to consider how choices like adding a garage would affect the house’s value and how this would affect the time it would take to finish the house.
“The only sort of issue with the project happened during the decision-making process. They were just going back and forth on whether they should add a garage to the house or not,” said Shellenberger.
One senior who worked on the house this year is Isaiah Apple.
“The best part of the experience was just the building process. I learned a lot in this class,” said Apple. “Going forward, I like that I will know how to do many things on my own.”
Apple plans to pursue a career in the construction field in the future.
Junior Keegan Cox also plans to pursue a career in carpentry because of his time learning from Shellenberger.
“The best thing I learned was how to frame walls. I know I will use that when I join the union,” said Cox.
Junior Cherokee Hopper also plans to continue her career in carpentry after her time working on the house.
“The class will help me get into the carpentry union and build my own house one day,” said Hopper.
Junior Merrik Bissonnette enjoyed seeing how every decision plays a role in the final product.
“The best part, in my opinion, is seeing the house complete after everything. You learn that every little thing matters or has a purpose,” said Bissonnette.
Finishing the house is not just about learning lessons in building, for junior Wyatt Baker, the lessons are bigger.
“It feels great and rewarding to see the finished product. Along the way, I learned a lot about teamwork and being cautious throughout the whole process. One little mistake can cause a lot of issues, so it never hurts to be extra mindful of what you are doing,” said Baker.
The Sullivans are happy to support the LRCC construction builds, partially because of the lessons the students learn and because they want to support their friend Jon.
“I am always amazed by anyone who has the skills to build a house, but to be able to do it with teenagers is a special gift! Jon definitely has that gift. The building and life skills he teaches the youth is something we most definitely want to support,” said Stori.
Stori was particularly impressed with how Jon taught the kids how to recycle materials for some projects that would have just ended up in the trash.
“The laundry room is my favorite room! The students designed and made the hall tree and coat rack. Jon taught the students that they could recycle materials to make nice things. The countertop in the laundry room is a piece of artwork made with the pallets that other materials were brought on,” said Stori. “They also made an equally impressive coffee table with leftover flooring and leftover pieces of the kitchen island. The front sidewalk is made of scrap limestone, which the students broke into a beautiful mosaic walkway. All these things would have become trash. But the students were taught they could make useful and beautiful things with it!
Now that the project is finished, the house will go on the market to be sold.
The house is not currently listed with a real estate agent but is still available for sale. Interested buyers should contact Jamey or Stori Sullivan for more information. Contact Jamey at (812) 865-0446 and Stori at (812) 865-0445.
The Helm Street project’s Open House will be on May 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The address for the home is 703.5 N. Helm Street. The public is invited to attend.
