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Kim Johnson ReportingSix years ago, Ogden City decided to revitalize the city's historic east bench by getting into the home repair business. People who couldn't otherwise afford nice homes, are able to do so through "Home Sweet Ogden."
This is what Stacy Ann Stone's home looked like for years. This is what it looks like today. Contractor Kevyn Grimes restored the duplex to its original floor plan and its yesteryear charm.
Kevyn Grimes, Contractor: "I could build in the new areas, but I stay to what I love doing. The older the house, the better for me."
Stone says she committed to buy before the project was finished.
Stacy Ann Stone, New Homeowner: "I came by here and it said 'Home Sweet Ogden,' and I said, 'I'm going to live here,' and everything fell into place. I couldn't believe it. Everything fell into place."
Stone is one of the first homebuyers to get a great deal from the project. Ogden city has bought, renovated and sold half a dozen homes so far, but leaders have plans to buy 50 more in the next couple of years, including a 1910 victorian."
Whether it's building homes on vacant lots, renovating HUD homes in foreclosure, or restoring Jefferson Avenue's mansions to their former grandeur, city planners say the idea is working.
Ward Ogden, Ogden City: "When we listed our first home, eighty people came out of the woodwork to buy our first Victorian home. The price was 180-thousand dollars for 3,000 square feet, so it was a great price."
Ogden says the project has inspired the private sector to get involved.
Ward Ogden: "We get people from back east and the west coast saying, 'I'd like to do a Victorian project. You mean I can pick up a Victorian for $100,000?'"
Ogden's mayor says the important mission of Home Sweet Ogden, is to turn rental neighborhoods back to owner-occupied neighborhoods. Today he stopped by to congratulate the Stone family on their new abode.
Matthew Godfrey, Odgen Mayor: "It was exciting to see the transition of this home. But it's more exciting to see this family, and see these people come in and to own a home that they love, and see this piece of Ogden's history come back alive again."
Ogden City has four homes for sale right now.
