AAPS Homebuilding students nearing completion of the largest house ever built by a high school building program in one year

The five-bedroom Scio Township house features nearly 4,000 square feet of living space

The largest house ever built in a year by a high school homebuilding program is a matter of weeks from hitting the market.

As the 54th home of the Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program comes to fruition, teacher Mark Valchine said he couldn’t be more proud of Team 54 of the Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program, which is composed of students from all five AAPS high schools.

“Team 54 has taken on the largest endeavor that we’ve ever encountered, which will be the largest home built in one year by any school program in the nation,” explained Valchine. “So this house has close to 4000 square feet of finished space—five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and features hardwood floors, nine-foot ceilings in the basement, in the finished basement on the first floor.”

The house is located at 300 Sedgewood Lane in Scio Township’s Kirkway subdivision off Jackson Road.

Last year’s home sold for $595,000, and this year’s home is about 500 square feet larger. The program owns two more lots in the same neighborhood.

Skyline senior Kee Dekeyzer, who is completing his first year with the program, says he would highly recommend it to others because even if they have no plans to enter the trades after high school, they will learn valuable practical skills to last a lifetime.

“Once you buy a house, you’ll have the skills to fix it up and make it nicer,” said Kee, who plans to work as a carpenter while attending electrical school.

Pioneer junior Gabriel Mercier says he, too, signed up for the program to learn practical skills, and is glad he did. He says he was especially grateful to learn flooring and basic electrical, sheeting, and siding.

Homebuilding can be a one- or two-year program. Because of the limited space, preference is given to seniors. There is often a waiting list for the program, but it’s not too late to apply for next year. Interviews will take place the week of May 15. For more information, go to CTE career tech ed.

Those interested in buying the house should contact Pat Durston with Reinhart Realtors at  734.260.9247.