Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Often, a home renovation proves a long, arduous process but the end result makes all the stress worth it. And Shea McGee's recent renovation reveal is no exception. With stunning updates made to the interior and exterior of the star designer's Utah home, the reveal is chock-full of design inspiration.

While many home renovations are made with a sleek, modern end result in mind, Shea shares that this project was meant to add historic charm and character to the modern farmhouse-style home. These are the small yet nevertheless transformative updates that Shea made to the space.

'I design houses. We run a design business. So I stand in a room and I think about all the things I could do with it,' says Shea in a YouTube video unveiling the newest upgrades.

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Interior designer, Shea McGee founded her iconic design firm,Studio McGee, with her husband Syd in 2014. They later launched their e-commerce brand,McGee & Co, and starred in their very own Netflix show,Dream Home Makeover.

Less than a year after building her home, Shea says she started to have regrets a quick timeline at the beginning of the build meant that certain design choices were left for later. At the beginning of 2023, she and her husband, Syd, began to make updates to the interior of their home.

Furniture seems to be in constant rotation in the McGee household, and for good reason Shea designs furniture, after all. She says that the furniture in her home is changing all the time, and expects it to keep adjusting as time goes on (and as McGee & Co. comes out with new pieces to try out).

'This is a really good testing ground for living with the pieces that we're designing, and it's giving our home a new look. And it's always evolving,' says Shea.

Aside from the entryway and living room which are a central part of the Utah home's open floorplan three rooms underwent significant changes during the renovation process. In the home's pantry, Shea made a color scheme decision that changed the room's feel for the better.

'When we first moved in, I immediately regretted that I couldn't have a window in our pantry. I love our pantry, but it is a little dark,' Shea says in the video.

Instead of fighting the moody room's lighting, Shea decided to lean into the 'dramatic' look, and painted the pantry in Inspiration by Portola Paints, a dark green-gray hue. The finished product is dark, moody and sophisticated, and the character Shea was seeking comes through in full effect.

Many updates were made to the home's exterior, and some of them had unexpected impacts on the interior as well. Shea says that a small addition to her closet space happened because she added an oval window and gas lantern to the exterior wall.

'When I realized that the oval window created more space than we had before below the window, I knew I could add some drawers,' she says.

The finished room features a lovely set of white built-in drawers that frames the oval window. By chance, adding the window lent the space extra closet storage and design appeal.

The final room that got an upgrade is the dining room, and Syd says he loves the result. Shea added sidelights to the space, which is set apart slightly from the home's expansive kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling windows on each side of the table now grace the space, and wallpaper was added at the last minute for a bit of extra character.

'I always love simplicity, but for me, this remodel was about the addition of character to our home. Once I added those sidelights in, I loved the effect, but it did feel like it needed something more to bring it to life,' she says.

Now, the space feels more enclosed within the home's open layout, and the couple loves the removed yet brightly lit space.

In the open-plan living room, Shea says the 'flat wall' between the stairs and living space always bothered her even in the planning stage. So with this renovation, she decided to add what Syd jokingly refers to as a 'swoopy addition.' A clever built-in detail now creates a visual division in the open space, proving an effective yet non-imposing design feature.

'Ultimately, I came up with the idea to do this swooped separation between the stairs and the living room to break up the flat wall and also to create a little bit of separation between these open spaces,' says Shea.

Above the living room's fireplace, Shea added a plastered brick feature for added interest and texture. She originally considered painted brick, but says it looked a bit too industrial and classic farmhouse for her overall vision of the home. Plaster turned out to achieve the perfect level of sophistication for the space.

'I would plaster my whole house if I could,' Shea says.

The living room also features large, defined trusses at the ceiling, and these underwent a bit of a refresh as well. Shea says the original trusses were 'a little too rugged,' made of exposed wood and steel. She added a fresh coat of warm gray paint and boxed in their steel cables.

The exterior of the McGee home underwent the most significant transformation, and the finished product carries the historic charm the designer was after. Shea added two columns on either side of the front door, built out the front porch, and added on to the brick wall partitions on either side of the front yard.

'I wanted some dimension, and I wanted our house to feel more traditional. I wanted it to not actually feel like a brand-new build, I wanted it to feel like an older home,' says Shea.

She also added limestone spheres to the brick walls, but they turned out to be the wrong finishing touch.

'It felt like putting on too much jewelry. It was like I needed to take one piece off to get the look just right. I wanted traditional, I wanted detailing, but I still love a classic, pared-back look,' she says.

Although they weren't the right fit for this project, Shea says she's using the limestone additions for another of her ongoing projects.

The finished renovation is stunning, a perfect blend between refreshed and historic. With a storied exterior and small, smart changes to interior spaces, this renovation is sure to last the long term.

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Shea McGee just revealed her brand new remodel | - Homes & Gardens

Get out of winter hibernation mode and grab big discounts at Wayfair's flash sale. (Wayfair)

Is your home looking a bit peaked? The dark and cold of the season got you down? It's time for a mid-winter spruce-up, and as an interior designer, I've got just the thing to reinvigorate the doldrums of your domicile: Wayfair's 72-hour flash sale. The online retailer is doing some revitalizing of its own and in the process offering deep discounts up to 70% off! on furnishings across the board.

Try a room makeover with the items below, like a beautiful rug collab from Amber Lewis and Loloi for just $166 (was $500). Or how about prepping your guest quarters with something comfortable and stylish, like this convertible sofa or a swoon-worthy daybed from Kelly Clarkson's home line? Both are on sale, saving you tons of money. There's even a Cuisinart cookware set for $450 off and everyone's favorite viral shoe cabinet for nearly 30% off. I've curated my favorites below from the sale, which runs through February 13 at 9am ET. My advice: Don't hesitate to buy with a sale this good, items are sure to sell out fast. Want more? Check out all of Wayfair's 72-hour flash sale items here.

Let's start with a base a fabulous rug to ground your space with style and frame your other furnishings. This collab between Amber Lewis and Loloi highlights a vintage vibe, with its distressed look and muted colors. Enjoy nearly 70% off this popular size.

Handsome in the living room, den or home office, this mid-century modern-styled gem does double duty it folds back into a bed for overnight guests. Hidden legs give this convertible extra support, while tapered wood ones give it that mod edge. Channel backing and carved arms complete the retro look. It's available in multiple colorways and is 70% off.

Space is valuable, and anytime you can get a little more of it, I say, go for it. This stylish wood and rattan cabinet which has gone viral on TikTok hides your footwear away so you're not tripping over sneakers and flip-flops. It fits up to 12 pairs of shoes and looks gorgeous in your entryway.

The occasional chair, as the pros call it, is an anywhere chair that you can pull up as needed, typically for guests, due it its small scale. This charming beauty, now nearly 60% off, comes in a plethora of organic floral patterns and colorways. Use one in the corner of a bedroom or living space. Try a pair for conversation in front of a desk, to round out your living room, in a bay window...you get the idea.

Embrace the cooler weather and get cozy with a go-anywhere fireplace. Your office, living room or bedroom wall can use a focal point, and this one is functional (my favorite!) emitting heated air when you need the extra warmth. Or choose the ambient option without the heat. You can change colors and set the thermostat to different temps, all from a convenient remote control.

These stools are a steal at just $62 a pop they'll quickly level up your kitchen island or home bar area. The faux leather is wipeable, while the curved shape fits you like a glove while seated. Iron legs provide support with a convenient footrest. Available in four neutral tones in counter or bar height.

Thanks to its classic hairpin legs, this dining table another nod to the mod works as a period or transitional piece. The mixed materials fit in a farmhouse, industrial or mid-century setting. Available in three wood tones, try this slate colorway and save forty bucks.

Save nearly 70% off these pots and pans from the incomparable Cuisinart. The 12-piece set contains everything you need to start anew or upgrade your kitchen (it also makes a nice housewarming gift). These come with all the bells and whistles: they're oven- and dishwasher-safe, anti-stick, and anti-scratch, plus cool touch handles and induction compatible.

Another great option for an extra bedroom in a pinch the daybed. I'm particularly fond of daybeds for a guest or children's rooms; it's the perfect spot for overnight guests or slumber parties. Curated by Kelly Clarkson for her vintage-style home line, this bed has attractive curves and nailhead details. Pull out the trundle and you have space for two.

The quickest way to refresh your bedroom, and your back buy a new mattress. Why sleep on your old worn-out bed when this CertiPUR-US (safe from toxic chemicals) mattress can arrive at your door in a matter of days, with a simple out-of-the-box setup? This hybrid memory foam, spring mattress is designed to support the achiest of backs. It also boasts cooling gel, a breathable cover and wrapped coils for low-motion transfer. Save almost 50%.

Safe for children and adults alike, this Greenguard-certified dresser will have you resting easy with no worries about toxic chemicals, plus all this added storage in your bedroom. Available in four painted or wood tones, the dresser features Euro glide drawers with safety stops and durable easy-to-clean construction. Metal knobs give it a modern edge.

Score over 50% off one of the simplest design hacks I can impart. A mirror reflects light and makes the room look larger. A full-length like this works well in the bedroom or entryway to check your outfit before you embark on your day. Or hang this one for a dramatic look in the living or dining room. Use the stand, hang or lean against the wall.

Many of us are still WFH, so why not be comfortable? Form and function are my motto and this vegan leather chair is fully adjustable to give you an ergonomic fit that will keep you going through your workday. Other perks: A 360-degree swivel, height adjustment and a full back with armrests. It's available in multiple colors too.

A chic little workspace is never remiss. Add this writing desk to that empty wall in the guest room or the den for extra space to work from home or to tackle homework. A little rustic, but tailored enough to blend with modern farmhouse, industrial or transitional styles. This desk is equipped with three drawers, perfect for office supplies, keys in your entryway or a general catchall.

This charming wood storage cabinet complete with five drawers matches almost any style and helps store papers and other home office supplies. (It's also good for organizing crafts, cosmetics or small clothing items). The spacious top can hold a printer or scanner to help expand your workstation.

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Shop the best deals from Wayfair's 72-hour flash sale, according to an interior designer save up to 70% - AOL

Everyone loves art, but styling it can bring up hundreds of interior design questions. How should you pair furniture with art? Should you buy art to match your space, or just choose pieces you love? Luckily, Alicia Keys is here to provide some answers.

The singer took to Instagram to share that she and her husband, Swizz Beatz, were lending art from their collection, the Dean Collection, to the Brooklyn Museum, offering a view into her artistically designed living room.

The space is a lesson in decorating with art starting with the colorful and textural pieces that juxtapose the neutral paint and furnishings.

San Francisco-based interior designer Soledad Alzaga admires the combination of art with a neutral living room.

'In Alicia Keys' living room, the neutral furniture provides a calming backdrop, allowing the eye-catching statement art to pop and become a focal point,' Soledad says.'This contrast creates visual interest and draws attention to the unique art on the walls. The pottery collection is displayed all together on a console table, adding texture and personality to the space.'

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San Francisco-based Interior designer Soledad Alzaga has worked on designs projects in San Francisco, Sonoma, Atherton, New York, Martha's Vineyard, Los Angeles, Mexico and Argentina.

'Using meaningful art pieces to make a bold visual statementas Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats do in their living roomis a wonderful opportunity to create contrast with a more neutral-toned furniture assortment, as well as to showcase your personality,' adds interior designer Kathy Kuo of Alicia and Swizz's living room art technique.

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Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry.

A living room with a similar neutral palette to Alicia Keys' space.

(Image credit: Mylands )

'I love how the art in Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats' living room is fairly subdued in color, yet, due to the warm neutrals of the sofa console decor, the beautifulpainting draws the eye immediately.'

For those asking 'what can I put on my living room walls,' Soleded has all the answers for following in the footsteps of the musical couple. She states: 'To achieve a living room with neutral furniture, striking statement art, and a collection of pottery, start with soft-toned furniture for a calming base.'

She adds, 'Select bold art pieces to serve as focal points and display them prominently on walls.Curate a selection of pottery or complementary items that harmonize well together, then display them as a cohesive grouping.'

Geometric Black and White Painting

This absolutely stunning painting by Annette Baksinskas. It incorporates black and white geometric shapes and is contained within a wooden frame.

Contemporary Abstract Painting

The contemporary abstract painting 'Saint Jerome and the Lion' was painted by Diane Grant using oil paints and pencil on Fabriano paper.

Late 20th Century Oil Painting

This colorful painting by Ruth Burden adds a splash of color and texture to any room.

Art isn't something to be nervous about, but something to embrace in your living room.

Read the original here:
Alicia Keys' living room teaches how to decorate with art | - Homes & Gardens

Have you ever wondered about the magic behind the things you see and use dailyyour phone, your PC, your coffee cup, or perhaps the simple Coca-Cola drink with its iconic bottle? Everything you lay eyes on is crafted and produced thanks to industrial design developments.

The never-ending cycle of perpetually reinventing the wheel started with the Industrial Revolution. Since then, the world walked into the fast-paced symphony of modern livingcreating products that make life easier while leaving walls unpainted in their spaces.

The Industrial Revolution shaped how we make things and the language of progress itselfcreating fine stuff in a world where every curve, color, and function tells a story of innovation and development.

In short, innovation, art, technology, and creativity all come together in a single discipline. Lets now delve into how this discipline has shaped our lives and homes for centuries.

Image credits: ThisisEngineering RAEng

Industrial design is the discipline dedicated to solving problems and enhancing human experiences. This encompasses creatively designing products, systems, and services, making the industrial design spectrum quite diverse.

Simply put, industrial design is the professional practice of making stuff better. From a professional perspective, industrial designers are the creative force behind the scenes, turning ordinary items into extraordinary experiences.

Image credits: Lissete Laverde

Industrial design and industrial interior design share the same historical roots, tracing back to the Industrial Revolution and mid-20th-century modernism. While industrial design focuses on improving everyday products, industrial interior design extends this concept to the spaces we inhabit.

Both disciplines focus on style and function, although in different aspectsproducts and interiors. Together, they contribute to the art of making things work better, whether in your hands or on the walls around you.

Image credits: freepik

Industrial decor encapsulates a journey through time, seamlessly blending visually attractive rooms with practical spaces in daily life. Drawing inspiration from the 19th and early 20th centuries, it echoes the transformation of factories into homes for workers and the middle class.

This style introduces elements like exposed brick, steel, and concrete into our living spaces. Moreover, in modern days, industrial interior decor manifests in various styles.

Image credits: Evan Wise

With glimpses of city living, this branch of industrial style aligns closely with raw, minimalist design. In this type ofhome decor, we can expect exposed architectural features influenced by urban elements, such as pipes and distressed materials. This style is perfect for wide-open spaces.

Image credits: Tim Wildsmith

The rustic industrial style combines weathered wood,brick walls, expansive windows, vintage furnishings, and earthy tones. If you opt for a rustic industrial home, consider adding iron accents, wooden beams, and cement floors.

Image credits: vecstock

Modern industrial spaces stand out by artfully balancing industrial rawness and classy elegance. Expect to see sleek lines, exposed brick walls paired with plush,cozy sofas, or aminimalist designfeaturing wooden furniture.

Image credits: steamcatco

Inspired by the Victorian era, steampunk interiors feature brass and copper accents, exposed gears, bare pipes, wrought iron, and a palette of rich, dark colors. Characterized by the use of repurposed metals, leather upholstery, rustic wood, and brick walls, steampunk spaces exude a unique blend of industrial and vintage aesthetics.

Image credits: Michael Oxendine

Think of the Scandi-industrial style as a fusion of raw industrial elements and Scandinavian simplicity. Scandi-industrial spaces achieve a stylish and cozy ambiance through the use of clean lines, warm vibes, neutral tones, natural textiles, and white walls.

Image credits: wirestock

Industrial house design is a rare instance where embracing the past to influence the present yields beautiful results. But how did the industrial style manage to make it to this day? Contemporary industrial-style interiors have roots tracing back to the Industrial Revolution:

First Industrial Revolution in the 1760s:Mass production emerged in Europe and the US, influencing goods, markets, and factory architecture with grid-paned windows, open spaces, and exposed brick walls for fire safety.

Second Industrial Revolution in the 1870s:In this period, industrial development took a leap forward as companies introduced larger factories featuring exposed bricks, concrete, and steel materials. This era also witnessed the invention of Edison light bulbs, propelling us into the steampunk era.

The 2000s:The industrial style experienced a massive boom as most factories underwent conversion into lofts. Particularly in regions grappling with housing shortages, the transformation of factories into industrial loft apartments with open floor plans emerged as a stylish and practical solution.

Today:Industrial-style furniture has become widespread in the present day, drawing inspiration from sleek lines, open spaces, rustic elements, and repurposed materials. Because of many changes and adaptations, we feel closer to the Scandi-industrial style characterized by open plans, faded leather, raw materials, expansive windows, and neutral palettes.

Image source: somemojointhisjojo and Ali Moradi

Homeowners and designers sparked a revolution by repurposing the elements they already had to create a new interior design aesthetic. When transforming SoHo lofts, warehouses, and factories into innovativehome designs, they consciously preserved the raw, unfinished vibe of the existing spaces.

They chose to showcase wooden beams, brick walls, steel surfaces, and even exposed ducts. This rebellious act led to two distinct styles within the same discipline: modern and traditional industrial decor.

Traditional industrial design leans towards classic and ornate aesthetics, using rich materials and warm colors with a formal layout. Think of intricate carvings, detailed moldings, and a touch of traditional craftsmanship.

On the flip side, modern industrial design goes for a more contemporary vibe. Using raw materials and neutral colors, its all about simplicity, functionality, and a clean look. Picture open spaces, straightforward furniture, and a more laid-back, uncluttered feel.

So, traditional is like the classic, detailed grandparent, and modern is the sleek, no-fuss sibling. Theyre both cool but just bring different vibes to the table.

Image credits: Keren Fedida

The choice between these two styles often depends on personal preferences and the space's intended purpose. Some designs may also combine elements from both styles, creating a unique blend of modern and traditional industrial decor.

Now, lets delve into what industrial design has brought to us from the past, exploring the gritty roots of the Industrial Revolution, merging with the sleek vibes of modern times.

Now that youre acquainted with industrial interior design lets explore how it looks in different industrial-inspired interiors. From exposed brick walls to vintage-inspired lighting fixtures, these ideas will help you create an authentic look within just a few square meters.

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Industrial Design in 2024: From Industrial Revolution to Timeless Evolution - Bored Panda

Bee Osborns love of old buildings has spanned the past 35 years with nine renovation projects of her own. For the past seven years, her passion has focused on transforming two derelict Cotswold cottages into homes that blend historical architecture with contemporary house design.

Since my youngest daughter moved to a school in the Cotswolds, this area has become our home, and rethinking these beautiful old buildings has been a labour of love, says the creative director of Osborn Interiors.

Doors, The Cotswold Casement Company. Cladding, Linnell Brothers; in Matt Black barn paint, Bedec. Vintage dolly tubs and troughs, Rutland Garden Classics. Thatch roof, Grant Batchelor.

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

First it was The Old Post Office, which Bee renovated and sold, before turning her attention to The Old Bakery, built in the 1500s. Both properties had been left to decay as their previous long-term owners moved into care.

I found this house for sale by chance on a diverted road trip to my studio in Chipping Norton, says Bee. A falling down, two-up-two-down cottage, hidden by brambles, but on a plot with huge potential.

Mesh inserts, Phillip Jeffries. Lamps, Porta Romana. Island door hardware, House Of Eroju. Beaded tall vessels, Osborn Interiors.

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

Fast forward two years 15 months of which were spent living in a craned-in shepherds hut in the garden, a customized beauty Bee added to the site to be close to the build and save on rental costs she is now reaping the rewards of her vision. And the hut, complete with a wood burner, shower, kitchen, and outdoor bath, now forms a fourth-bedroom retreat.

Sink tap, Samuel Heath. Stools and chopping boards, Osborn Interiors.

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

Bees starting point for the redesign was that at home, luxury lies in the simple things: feeling connected to natural materials within the building and to nature outside. Along with the ability to accommodate her partner, three daughters, and their respective husbands and partners comfortably into the home.

This craving to connect all together in a more cozy and intimate way means Bee has worked hard to optimize footage. A series of dilapidated garden buildings provided permission to extend the cottage with new, contemporary wood-clad exterior elevations so long as they sat within the parameters of the original cottage walls, says Bee.

Woodburner, Direct Stoves. Chair and sofas, Osborn Interiors. Console, Chelsea Textiles. Pots, The Old Flight House. Lime Plaster wall finish, Lime Green.

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

To elevate a feeling of space, Bee dug down two metres and created a retaining wall along the boundary, as the foundations for a capacious family room and kitchen. This leads up to the adjoining dining room, in what was the original kitchen.

Surrounded by metal-framed glazing on the south and east-facing sides, it has doubled their original 1,000sq ft living space, optimized light and created a connection to the newly landscaped terrace.

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

With a sense of tenacity in the face of planning delays, Bee has transformed a cold and draughty building into a thermally efficient home, reinstating the thatch and opening fireplaces, while adding woodburners and modern amenities that juxtapose beautifully with the historic architecture.

Natural materials balance high with low plank-clad walls are paired with more affordable painted floorboards and soft natural plaster walls that evoke a sense of calm and luxury. Low-level lighting adds atmosphere, while hotelspec fixtures from Samuel Heath create a sense of welcome escape in the bedrooms.

Bedhead, pendant light, chest of drawers and lamp, all Osborn Interiors. Mirror, Station Mill Antiques.

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

It was a priority that each bedroom had its own bathroom in the two old cottage bedrooms, I have squeezed in a micro shower and a roll-top bath; and in the new main suite, my end-of-bed roll-top bath feels decadent. The integrity of materials and handmade designs are investments that will stand the test of time.

This house marks a new phase for Bee, and a desire to enjoy lifes simple pleasures hardworking spaces that prioritise quality over quantity and the freedom to enjoy the people and things she loves.

Bath, BC Designs. Tap, Samuel Heath. Blind and cushion, Osborn Interiors.

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

Bee Osborn shares her style inspiration

What is your favorite detail of the home?

The spice cupboard in the sitting room. Years ago, the cottage was a pub and the cavity behind the cupboard door was home to spices sold in the pub.

Can you reveal the biggest indulgence?

The Samuel Heath kitchen and bathroom taps.

What's your go-to color?

Alfies Tail by Fenwick & Tilbrook.

Tell us one small change that has a huge impact?

Inside the cottage, it would be the reclaimed cladding in Cotswold Fleece by The Main Company.

Describe your style in three words.

Calm, organic, luxury.

What one indulgence would you never forego?

A real fire.

Any plans for future projects?

Never say never to another cottage renovation! Preserving the heart of these special Cotswold villages has become important to me. If they are not looked after, they will disappear.

Read more:
The restoration of a derelict 1500s English cottage turned into a family home | - Homes & Gardens

Waterfall edge is a popular design element in many new and remodeled bathrooms with several benefits, including a more free-flowing sense of space and a cohesive look. The finish also can highlight beautiful materials like gorgeous tile and statement marble by simply including more of them. By using the same tile material throughout, a bathroom may also be easier to clean since the surface is uniform.

Budget benefits for using this technique may vary by material and installation costs. While you will require more of the material in question, it is only a single material versus multiple ones, which, in the case of tiles, may save money by purchasing in bulk. Whether you are DIYing and looking to save time or paying for a professional, the size of the tiles will affect the cost, as large format tiles are harder and more expensive to lay.

Keep in mind not all tiles are ideal for floor use and some may not be able to withstand the wear. Many wall tiles are too thin, particularly ceramic and clay tiles, and not durable enough for floors. Floor tiles are thicker and more durable, but some varieties may be too weighty for the walls. For a true waterfall design, you'll need to choose a tile that can function both on the wall and floor, and that could be more costly than buying the tiles separately.

Read more:
HGTV's Erin Napier Introduces A Stunning Bathroom Feature You'll Want To Replicate - House Digest

This is the first of a two-part series on addressing Cape Cod's worsening water pollution. Read the second part here.

Pat Uhlman lives across the street from Shubael Pond in Barnstable. The round pond is ringed by trees and most days crystal clear.

WBUR produced this series in collaboration with Scientific American.

"Its so beautiful," she said. "I get up in the morning, I open my drapes, and if the sun is already up, the pond is glistening."

But a couple of years ago, the glistening pond turned a milky green. It was a cyanobacteria bloom, known more commonly as "toxic algae." Toxic algal blooms can make people sick if they ingest the water and are especially dangerous for dogs and small children. Concerned, Uhlman paddled her kayak into the pond to see how far the algae had spread.

"I kayaked around and I was leaving a trail you could see where the kayak had cut through the slime," she said. "You feel almost scared, like, 'What is going on?' And that it's never going to clear up and that the pond is dying."

Uhlmans pond did clear up that fall, but algal blooms are an ongoing problem on the Cape. Even the more common, nontoxic growths are destructive, creating low-oxygen dead zones that kill fish and native plants. Now, 90% of Cape Cod's coastal bays and more than a third of its ponds have "unacceptable" water quality, according to the nonprofit Association to Preserve Cape Cod's annual State of the Waters report.

"We've seen a significant deterioration of our bays to the point where they're designated as impaired, where we don't have shellfish, we don't have finfish," said Barnstable town manager Mark Ells.

The pollution comes primarily from septic systems, which leach nitrogen and phosphorus basically fertilizer in the Cape's groundwater. The state has tough new regulations that are forcing communities on the Cape to clean up the water. And towns are now grappling with the cleanup's enormous price tag: in Barnstable alone, cleanup will cost more than a billion dollars.

It's a critical moment for Cape Cod. The Cape has more than 550 miles of coastline, at least 890 freshwater ponds and 53 small saltwater bays bordering the ocean. That water is the Cape's raison d'tre: residents and visitors use it for swimming, boating and fishing, and it formsthe backbone of the region's $1.4 billion tourism industry. Now Cape Cod communities are scrambling for solutions before their ecosystems, economies and property values collapse.

"Most of our own personal financial wellbeing is intimately tied to the Cape continuing to be an attractive place to live. And so, as individuals we're all at an enormous risk," said Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.

"People like Cape Cod and want to come to Cape Cod, and to a certain extent, they're loving it to death."

In the 1950s, Cape Cod was sleepy and semi-rural, with about 50,000 full-time residents. But the Cape's population boomed in the second half of the 20th century. Now there are about 230,000 year-round residents, and more than 5 million visitors during the summer.

All those people bring money, crowds and epic traffic jams. They also create something that most people don't think about: wastewater. About 85% of Cape Cod properties use septic systems to manage household waste, and experts say the technology is not up to the job.

"We rely on 19th century technology to get rid of our wastewater," said Gottlieb, who lives in Mashpee. "We all basically have a hole in the backyard and our wastewater flows into it."

The main component of a septic system is a large underground tank. Water from a home's sinks, washing machine and toilets flows into the tank and sits there. The solids sink to the bottom and the liquid percolates out into the ground. That nutrient-rich liquid flows quickly through the Cape's sandy soil to bays and ponds where it feeds the growth of invasive weeds and toxic algae. The process is amped up by climate change.

"What do you need to grow plants? Heat and water and nutrients. We've added the nutrients and we're turning up the heat," Gottlieb said. "So those two things have come together and are really causing problems."

Septic systems usually work fine in rural areas, where houses are spread out. In much of Cape Cod, that's no longer the case.

"We have a large population living here," said Ells. Barnstable is the Cape's commercial center and largest town, with about 50,000 year-round residents. The town's population triples in the summer.

Most experts agree that best way to stop wastewater pollution in a big, densely packed town like Barnstable is to stop using septic tanks where possible and switch to sewage pipes and that's what the town is doing. It has begun a massive expansion of the sewer system, extending service to 12,000 properties, building pump stations and upgrading its treatment plant.The project will take 30 years and cost an estimated $1.4 billion.

The price tags are high for smaller Cape Cod communities as well. The town of Orleans, for example, is building a new treatment plant for about $34 million and expanding sewer lines for millions of dollars more. Mashpee is spending $54 million on the first phase of its "clean water plan" to build a new treatment plant and wastewater collection system. It's unclear how much the full system will cost.

And there's another cost: seemingly non-stop construction on the Cape's already over-trafficked roads.

"A lot of people would say cost is the challenge, and it is a challenge," said Ells. "But the fact that construction is very disruptive is an enormous challenge as well."

Most Cape Cod towns only do roadwork in the shoulder seasons, to avoid disrupting summer tourist traffic. That means projects take longer to finish. Pat Uhlmans neighborhood by Shubael Pond will get hooked up to Barnstable's sewer, but not for a couple decades. Uhlman says thats too long to keep polluting the water.

"If we don't start cleaning it up now, you might not even want to walk down by that pond by then," she said.

A lot of Uhlmans neighbors feel the same way. So instead of waiting decades for the sewer line, theyre getting new improved septic systems now. The systems are designed to remove nitrogen before it gets into the groundwater.

"This is really just a waste treatment system that's actually in the ground, in your house," said Zenas Crocker, executive director of the nonprofit Barnstable Clean Water Coalition. "This system is so successful that in the data that we're seeing now, it will remove between 95 and 97% of nitrogen going into the groundwater."

Crockers group has installed more than a dozen systems in Uhlmans neighborhood as part of a pilot project to measure exactly how well the so-called "innovative/alternative" septic systems work. The systems installed in Uhlman's neighborhood are designed to work in conjunction with existing septic tanks, and they look pretty low tech. There's a cement tank the size of a minivan with two compartments, one filled with wood chips and the other with limestone rocks. Water flows from an existing septic tank into this one, where the rocks and wood chips create ideal conditions for bacteria that consume nitrogen, converting it to a harmless gas before it gets into the groundwater.

There are some drawbacks. There are many designs for advanced septic systems; some are unproven or may lose effectiveness over time. They also don't remove phosphorous or other contaminants like PFAS.

And these systems are expensive.Upgrading an existing system like the installations in Uhlman's neighborhood costs roughly $30,000. And completely replacing a traditional septic system for a single-family home with a nitrogen-filtering system could cost $35,000 or more, about twice as much as a traditional system. The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition raised money to install the systems by Shubael Pond at no cost to homeowners, but that's not an option for the whole Cape. Many residents have expressed concern about the cost and feasibility of the new regulations.

All Cape Cod communities with affected waterways have to clean up their wastewater under the new state regulations. Many communities are experimenting with low-cost solutions to curb nitrogen pollution, like oyster bed and cranberry bog restoration, which help filter nutrients out of groundwater; restrictions on using lawn fertilizer; and even urine diversion or "pee-cycling." But most experts believe that some combination of improved septic tanks and sewer systems will provide the bulk of the solution.

Brian Baumgaertel, director of Barnstable County's Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center, said sewers are the gold standard for removing contaminants but aren't right for every community.

"Here on Cape Cod, we have areas that are dense where sewering would make sense because it's economical," he said. "And then we have vast swaths of Cape Cod that are so sparse in population or even moderate density where the cost of running sewering pipe down the road in all of those neighborhoods is incredibly cost-prohibitive."

Both improved septic tanks and sewer systems come with big price tags. Theres government money to subsidize both. But some costs will still fall on homeowners probably in the range of tens of thousands of dollars.

"This is a really expensive process," said Uhlman. "But the Cape economy is still people coming here in the summer. If they can't swim in our ponds, they can't swim in our ocean, they can't boat, there's not going to be any reason for them to come here."

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The documentary short was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

See more here:
Cape Cod needs to clean up its water. The solutions could cost billions - WBUR News

At its meeting on Feb. 13, 2024, the North Liberty City Council unanimously pass a resolution in support ofmanufactured home residents organizing, calling for fixes to state law, fairness in lot rents and increases, and to allow local entities to peruse local solutions.

Resolution in Support of Manufactured Housing Park Residents

WHEREAS, residents of manufactured housing parks in our community have alerted City of North Liberty staff and elected officials to alarming increases in their lot rent, coupled with reductions and deficiencies in park maintenance, and

WHEREAS, residents of manufactured housing parks in our community have protested the relative lack of protections available to them under state law, including eviction without cause; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of North Liberty recognizes that our communitys housing costs have outpaced local incomes, and that manufactured homes have traditionally been of vital importance as one of the most affordable sources of safe, decent housing; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of North Liberty recognizes that residents of manufactured housing parks support our economy and community, provide many of the services and work that our local economy needs to thrive; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of North Liberty recognizes that to ensure fairness across our City and our state, leaders at all levels of government and throughout the community need to work together to guarantee residents of manufactured home parks stability, safety, and security.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH LIBERTY, IOWA, AS FOLLOWS:

We see and hear manufactured housing park residents as they speak out on the unfairness that has become a part of their lives and threatens their homes; and

We offer gratitude to manufactured housing park residents for the work they do to organize and speak out, often despite concerns about how such action might also threaten their ability to stay in their homes; and

We add the voice of the City of North Liberty to the calls for the owners of manufactured housing parks in and around our community to reduce the amount and frequency of rent increases, restore park maintenance and other services to park residents that they previously relied upon; and

We add the voice of the City of North Liberty to the calls for State elected officials to fix state laws to address the unfairness that makes so many of our residents vulnerable to unscrupulous practices; and

We call upon state lawmakers to restore the ability of local communities to exercise home rule and remove barriers to the enactment of local ordinances that would accomplish the above list of goals; and

We support ongoing efforts by local governments to pursue ways to improve the safety and stability of residents in manufactured housing parks.

Original post:
City Council Offers Resolution in Support of Manufactured Housing Residents - City of North Liberty

An innovative new project will happen later this year on a vacant site close to Michigan Central. The Gilbert Family Foundation is working with the North Corktown Neighborhood Association (NCNA) on Tomorrows Housing InnovationShowcase (THIS), bringing nine factory-built homes to the neighborhood.

The site is at 16th Street and Perry, near the I-75 Service Drive. It's in a part of North Corktown that hasn't seen development in years and has many vacant sites nearby.

The NCNA is working with its community and different manufacturers on the sustainable, energy-efficient homes. The NCNA will have a community land trust with the goal of having these homes accessible to first-time homebuyers and renters.

For years, weve heard from our residents that North Corktown needs diverse housing options, and this project is one solution to address the housing gaps, said Tricia Talley, NCNA Executive Director. We appreciate the support of residents who are proud to call North Corktown home and want to collaborate on bringing the project to life.

The groups plan to unveil the new homes in late summer. The community will be engaged with design and how the land trust will work. Tribe Development, who's also working on the Deco on East Warren, will be helping with the community meetings.

While Corktown has been booming with development over the last 10 years, North Corktown hasn't seen the same level of investment. Some single-family and townhomes have been built in recent years, but there's still a lot of land sitting empty in a prime location in the city.

At one time in our history, Detroit built more housing than any city in the world, but today, Detroit lacks quality, affordable housing solutions, said Laura Grannemann, ExecutiveDirector of the Gilbert Family Foundation. This investment will showcase the nextgeneration of housing solutions, putting Detroit at the center of housing innovation andattracting future jobs and investment to our city. We are grateful for this opportunity to laythe groundwork for a more stable housing ecosystem alongside our partners at NorthCorktown Neighborhood Association.

The rest is here:
With Gilbert Foundation funding, 9 manufactured homes coming to North Corktown - Urbanize LA

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Back to Business is a sponsored feature. If you want your business to sponsor a future Back to Business, contact Diane Daniell at 803-644-2369 or ddaniell@aikenstandard.com.

Affordable living is made easy with Aiken Housing Center, a local dealership for modular and manufactured housing since 1984.

Scott Brinson, owner of the business since 1999, stresses his teams ability to facilitate the entire construction process from A to Z.

We do the whole thing, Brinson said. You pay us one time, we take care of everything. We turn the key.

Aiken Housing Center coordinates and oversees all aspects of home construction, including financing, utility connections and land preparation to provide a streamlined experience for customers. The company sells over 200 houses a year, with features like finished sheetrock, 9-foot ceilings, hardwood cabinets and plywood floors.

Its not your grandpas single wide anymore, Brinson said.

In 2024, Aiken Housing Center is celebrating 40 years of reliable community service.

We have been here for 40 years, and were locally owned, said Jeremy Jones, Aiken Housing Center's marketing director. People need to know that these [houses] are available by a trusted business.

Modular and manufactured homes are constructed differently than wooden, stick-built homes, which are constructed primarily on-site. Instead, modular and manufactured homes are constructed off-site in a factory and are then transported to their final location.

Theres a stigma about manufactured and mobile homes, Jones said. But all these homes are built with the same materials as a home thats built on-site.

See the original post:
Back to Business: Aiken Housing Center offers affordable housing options - The Post and Courier