Students helping to rebuild, renovate and design two Ogden Habitat for Humanity houses

Weber State University students designed the floor plans for two Ogden houses that Habitat For Humanity is remodeling. The two houses are located on Doxey Street, according to Steven Peterson, WSU construction management technology [CMT] associate professor. One of the houses is a rambler and the other is a two-story. The design students drew up plans for the main level of the first house, and plans were created for both the main level and the upper level for the second house. Peterson said the houses were demolished at the end of October so that only the basic structure remained. WSU CMT students participated in the demolition. A 3-D Architectural Design class created the plans as a class project. They began the project at the start of November, according to Madeline Petersen, WSU design graphics engineering technology [DGET] senior. She helped design plans for the main floor of the rambler. "It was stressful to try and get everything done," she said. The class went to the two houses and measured their dimensions. Chester Bailey IV, WSU DGET senior, said the experience was valuable. "I think a lot of students haven't had that experience," Bailey said, "especially with the remodeling. You kinda see what's existing versus what your limitations are for the duration of the project." The demolition process had already begun when class measured the houses, according to Petersen. "The second time we went, the ceiling on our house, it was on the floor and there was boards and nails and gross stuff everywhere," she said. Brad Boyce, WSU DGET senior, said he enjoyed visiting the neighborhood and meeting the Habitat workers. "It kind of made me feel like we were doing something valuable," Boyce said. Petersen and Bailey said most of their projects are never actually used outside of the classroom. "It's [this project] actually going to get built versus all the time we spent on it," Bailey said, "and then nothing ever happens with it." Nine plans were presented to Habitat for Humanity board members Friday, and the three best designs, one for each area, will receive minor adjustments, according to Peterson. Following Ogden's approval, construction on the interior of the houses will begin. Peterson said he anticipates construction will start within the next two months. Habitat for Humanity constructs houses for low-income people, according to Peterson. Those receiving the houses must assist with their building of their home.

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