Building a Future in Lawrence

Building a Future in Lawrence Blitz Build volunteers including area contractors, architects, carpenters and others, started construction on Monday. andquot;This is the most meaningful work I've done,andquot; said Steingiser of Malden. Corona lived in New York for eight years before moving to Lawrence two years ago. andquot;This is the dream of every parent to have their own home so their children can live comfortably,andquot; Corona said. Marty's brother, Arthur Brien of Lawrence, a volunteer for Habitat, suggested to his nieces and nephews that they donate the site. Workers framed the entire first and second floors, put in the first floor ceiling and some windows. Today they planned to concentrate on interior carpentry, floors and landscaping. The home was destroyed in a fire that leveled a city block on Jan. Ken LaRose of Andover Equity Builder, who chairs the Habitat for Humanity board, said it is important to construct new homes for families. andquot;It gives them a safe place to raise their children and it's affordable,andquot; LaRose said. This is the second time Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity has taken part in a building blitz. The duplex on Market Street is one of three projects Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is doing in Lawrence. andquot;It's a very contemporary, yet contextual design,andquot; he said. andquot;I pinch myself and I still think I'm dreaming. , to accommodate an expanding family. andquot;For me it is very important to own my own home because you not only realize the American dream, but it gives you hope for a better future for you and your family,andquot; Maldonado said. Soon after moving into the house, she will have the Rev. The estimated cost is approximately $230,000 and 15,000 hours of donated labor. , which had been empty for further than five years and adding a fourth bedroom at 971/2 Railroad St. Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1985 and is one of the most successful affiliates in New England. andquot;Building two homes in a week is aggressive. Future owners Evelyn Corona and Ana Maldonado along with their families were at the site this week serving lunches to the builders and helping out. The new homeowners are required to volunteer 250 hours to work on Habitat projects and then take out long-term mortgages to pay for their houses. Finishing touches will be done on Saturday fiolowed by a celebration featuring Steve Thomas, former host of andquot;This Old House. Lawrence is one of five national Habitat sites that Thomas will visit during Home Builders Blitz weeks this year, said Steve Howell, chairman of the Home Builders Blitz. Building a Future in Lawrence Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 08/06/2012