ALTON – A new home constructed in Alton was sold to a buyer who fell in love with the loft space for her art studio. Proceeds from the sale are already funding construction of a second home, and Alton is being seen as a place of possibility again.

The spark that launched Alton into building affordable, quality homes came during a grassroots cleanup initiative, where volunteers banded together to clean up lots, clear vacant properties and prepare the town for something new.

With a grant from the Hansen Foundation to create a revolving home construction fund and partnerships with Nation Builders Ministries, skilled volunteers, and local businesses, construction of the first project – a 1,200 square-foot house – was completed. When design or logistical challenges arose, each became an opportunity for creative solutions. The living room space was enlarged; unused vaulted ceiling space became a loft, and materials were sourced locally.

Bethany Knoll, of the Bull City Community Foundation, said the project wasn’t just about one house – it was about proving that small towns can do big things.