The homes will be built on vacant lots along Haywood Avenue, Narcissa Street, Poland Avenue, and Hawthorne Street.

Stephen Davis, CEO of PHDG, told 21 News that the homes will be built using modular construction.

 

Modular homes are formed in a factory, then assembled together using large cranes.

 

During a conversation with 21 News reporter Leslie Huff, the CEO explained the reasons for choosing this building method over the traditional approach.

 

"The modular process is faster than your conventional construction, and frankly, it's hard to find labor to be able to build. And because of the need and the demand for housing," Davis said. "The speed the market was very important for us, and that's why we went with modular."

 

The project is supported by a $2.75 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development under the Welcome Home Ohio Program.

According to the experts modular construction increases the resiliency of homes.

 

"Because [the homes are] going to have to travel on the road...so [workers] are using 2x6s as opposed to 2x4s, you know, they're doubling up in certain spaces just to make sure that the home can withstand the travel. So you get a really solidly built home that's just able to be built faster." Davis said. 

 

The houses will cost between $150,000 and $180,000, putting them on par with the median home cost in the city.

 

Davis said making more affordable homes and helping the community grow is their top priority and eventually plan to expand into 3D printed houses.

 

The first eight modular homes, each with a basement, are expected to be available by the end of the year.

 

The construction will be carried out by Impresa Modular, a company based in West Virginia.