Limestone Ledger

BLOOMINGTON, IN — Bloomington High School South leadership unveiled the latest milestone of their renowned construction trades program this week: a newly finished single-family home on the city’s south side. The finished structure is expected to enter the market at “a modest, starter-family price point” of $1,100,000.

Students were invited to pose proudly in the driveway where they hope to idle while delivering a Chipotle order to the home’s eventual owner.

“Our kids get hands-on experience with real tools and real economic despair,” said program instructor Darren Holt, gesturing toward the three-car garage his students designed but will likely never park an SUV. “They learn how to wire outlets, hang drywall, and come to terms with the unlikelihood of owning property within city limits.”

District officials hailed the program as a model for workforce readiness, noting that students earn a dual credit certificate through Ivy Tech, which places them one small step closer to becoming highly skilled labor in a housing market that aggressively rejects their existence.

Junior Tyler Rodriguez said he loved learning framing techniques. He also loved realizing that the walk-in pantry he built is larger than the bedroom he shares with his younger brother.

“I think I did a really good job on the crown molding in the kitchen,” Rodriguez said. “I can’t wait to drop off someone’s bubble tea order here and see my craft up close.”

The home includes hardwood floors, quartz countertops, and an accent wall featuring reclaimed wood from a barn in Brown County that was torn down to make way for luxury cabins.

City leaders praised the project as a step toward easing the housing crisis, noting that the number of people able to afford living in town has now increased from seven to eight.

Realtor Lindsay McManus, who previewed the home for a line of Indianapolis-based investors, said the property has “great Airbnb bones, especially with its convenient proximity to campus and downtown.”

Students will begin their next build in the spring. The home is projected to list for $1,125,000 and feature a rooftop deck with sunset views “perfect for landlords deciding how much to charge renters.”

As for the students’ futures, Holt said he remains optimistic.

“They may not afford a house here,” he said. “That said, they’ll understand the pride in building the American Dream for a more deserving family. Plus, those DoorDash tips really add up.”