On September 6, 2008, Salt Lake County and Community Development Corporation of Utah (CDC) jointly hosted a neighborhood block party and open house to celebrate the completion of their Idea House in Kearns, Utah. The CDC acquired the vacant house in February 2008, and remodeled it using Salt Lake County HUD HOME funds to create an example for the community of low-cost energy efficiency, water conservation, and visitable (accessible) best practices. This 1700 square foot, masonry block home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms has an identical footprint and construction type to the hundreds of homes that surround it which were built in the 1950s as tract housing.

Kearns Idea House before

"This is an excellent model for homeowners looking for ideas to improve their homes," says Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon. "Yet, the Idea House also serves as a model for what we can do working together. We have many great partners who contributed to making the Idea House a showcase of remodeling best practices." The CDC purchased and remodeled the home with the help of Assist Inc., (a non-profit focused on accessibility), Questar Gas, Rocky Mountain Power, Utah Housing Coalition, HUD, and others.

Kearns Idea House after

"We wanted to present a home that offers practical ways homeowners can save energy, conserve water, and accommodate disabled family members and visitors without draining all their resources, states Darin Brush, Executive Director of the CDC. The ideas implemented include adding adequate insulation to the attic, changing from incandescent to fluorescent lighting, using Energy Star refrigerator and windows, installing a high efficiency furnace, xeriscaping the yard, and adding a porch with a no-step entry to the house.

Kearns Idea House sign

As part of the project an Idea Book was created which provides practical ways homeowners can conserve energy, water, and make their home accessible. The books were given to the public and were paid for by local businesses. After the celebration, The CDC will sell the Idea House to a low income family, for whom some financial assistance will be available. Plans for remodeling other homes in Kearns and Magna Utah, are underway.