With the snip of a red ribbon, cheers and applause, a group of Canyons District high school students celebrated the completion of a home built for hometown heroes.

The house, located on land donated by Sandy City and constructed almost entirely by students, is part of an ongoing partnership to bring housing within financial reach of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and veterans. 

“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to expanding access to affordable housing within our community,” said Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl at a May 8 ribbon-cutting and open house event. “Together, we’re helping students build their future while building homes where families can build theirs.”

All told, 88 students had a hand in building the 1,900 square-foot, 3-bedroom home, which took three years from start to finish. It features two bathrooms, a second-story loft, custom closets, granite countertops, and an unfinished basement.

“This house was started during the pandemic when materials costs were through the roof and it was hard to secure supplies, so it took a bit longer than most of our projects,” said Doug Hallenbeck, Principal of the Canyons Technical Education Center (CTEC).

Construction is just one of the fields to explore at CTEC where students can test their interests in different careers. “But it’s an example of hands-on learning at its best,” Edtl said, noting the students who worked on this project earned more than callouses. “ I dare say students — in addition to framing, sheet-rocking, wiring, and plumbing — learned a few things about perseverance.”

The home will be sold as targeted-income housing and priced at below-market for $468,000. All proceeds from the sale of the home will cover the costs to build it. Anything left over will help fund the next CTEC project home, which will be built next door.

Canyons District is accepting offers from prospective buyers starting Thursday, May 9.

All offers must come with pre-approval for a loan and proof of income. To be eligible to make an offer, families must meet Section 8 income limits and earn 80 percent of Salt Lake County’s average median income.

For a family of one that’s a household income of $59,400. For a family of four, the income threshold is $84,800.

To make an offer, ask questions, or schedule an appointment to see the home, email: CTECHouse@canyonsdistrict.org.