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Feb. 18

Feb. 18, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Derek Rayment
Public + Media Relations Manager
531-MCC-2876, office
402-960-0697, cell
darayment@mccneb.edu
mccneb.edu

MCC, Bridge Network student-built house hits the market

OMAHA, Neb. — Bridge Network, an Omaha-based nonprofit, in conjunction with Metropolitan Community College, is proud to announce that the first capstone house is now for sale. The 1,550 square foot home with three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car-garage was constructed by MCC students alongside experienced mentors and faculty. An open house will be held on Sunday, March 3, 1-4 p.m. at the home, located at 5603 N. 30th St.

The home was built inside the MCC Construction Education Center and moved to its permanent location last summer. Bridge Network acquired the land with the assistance of the Omaha Land Bank. The open floor plan includes a kitchen, dining and living space. The basement is ready to be finished and will support two more bedrooms and bath, along with living, laundry and storage rooms.

The project was supported by local industry professionals leading the way to develop local workforce and community redevelopment. Local firms include BCDM Architects, E&A Consulting Group, Fox Blocks, Paul Austin Enterprises, CZ Masonry, Stephens Smith Construction, Omaha Construction, 100 Year Homes, Natural Stones, the Omaha Land Bank and the City of Omaha. Industry professionals used emerging construction technology and products on the house, and a number of design professionals participated in the project to receive continuing education credit and provide high level expertise to the project. Bridge Network also engaged a number of small and emerging contractors on-site.

About Bridge Network

Bridge Network was formed to provide a link to connect resources in a way that would provide a quality product at a reduced cost. As a result, the neighborhood south of Miller Park has received a new development that will provide new construction options to the area. The combination of in-kind donations and surplus resources will afford a drastic discount compared to similar developments throughout the city. The goal is to attract and retain residents that would opt to move away due to a lack of new construction option or recent remodels.

Bridge Network has arranged for special financing, up to 100 percent of sale price, to compensate for the lack of new construction comparable in the area. The lack of comparable has been a deterrent for traditional new construction and traditional borrowing schemes. The five-year strategic plan for Bridge Network includes building at least one home per year and renovating existing properties in the neighborhood around MCC’s Fort Omaha Campus. To promote personal home improvement and investment, the nonprofit will assist neighbors with their planning and contracting needs.

Bridge Network is led by Jim Dennell, principal of BCDM Architects, who designed the MCC Construction Education Center and the home that the students and mentors constructed.

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Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest post-secondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.