Student Build Program of Johnson County

Huge thank you to for their generous $5,000 donation as the Swag Sponsor for our Student Built Home!

Today, the students had the opportunity to give the RCGR team and our Vocational Training Council Board members a tour of the home—showing just how much progress they’ve made since breaking ground in August. It’s incredible to see their hard work come to life.

We can’t wait to see the finished project on the Parade of Homes tour this June!

We’re so grateful for partners like Riverside Casino & Golf Resort who recognize the importance of giving students hands-on experience in the trades and investing in the future of our community. Follow along with the program here:

The new house at 726 Ronalds Street is part two in a continuing success story.

In 2024, the Housing Fellowship, as property owner, partnered with the Iowa City Community School District and instructor John Reynolds, the Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association, Martha Norbeck of C-Wise Architects, and Sueppel’s Building and Remodeling to construct the new house at 724 Ronalds Street. This past year, those same entities joined to create 726 Ronalds Street just next door.

The lot where the two homes now stand in the Brown Street Historic District had a small, abandoned house that had been heavily altered and extremely deteriorated. That structure was removed. The two new houses are now rented to income-qualified families and are close to schools, parks, and downtown Iowa City.

726 Ronalds Street was designed to historic district standards. It is a large two-story home built in a Foursquare plan with a full-width front porch supported by thick square columns. The house has a clean, boxy silhouette with a hipped roof. Dark siding contrasts sharply with white window frames. The overall effect creates a historic feel that fits well with the neighborhood.

Sueppel’s is currently in the process of constructing a third student-built home, enabling more students to train in the trades while receiving school credit. In addition to growing the available housing stock, the partnership has resulted in homes that are energy efficient.

Congratulations to the Housing Fellowship, Martha Norbeck, Sueppel’s Building and Remodeling, and the ambitious student builders!

There's still time to join us as an Exhibitor & Sponsor! Sign up at:
https://bit.ly/bmfsponsor2026
Email [email protected] with any questions.
School/student registrations are full!

Installed these great E-Series windows from Andersen Windows + Doors. These are super high-quality windows that will last a lifetime.

Achieving an airtight window install is easy with Huber Engineered Woods ZIP System products. The Stretch Tape made getting a waterproof sill quick and easy.

We are making serious progress on this Student Build for The Housing Fellowship, and the green box is starting to look more like a house️. Watching it come together is the best reward!

The Iowa City Community School District student crew is battling the cold this week, working on plumbing and electrical rough ins. Students have been working on installing PEX tubing for water supply. They also have been working to pull in wire and make up receptacle boxes. This is going to be a GREAT house for The Housing Fellowship. Keep up the good work students!

🛠️ This Giving Tuesday, Build Futures With Us 💙

When you support the Student Build Program of Johnson County, you’re doing more than donating — you’re empowering local high school students to gain hands-on skills and helping create affordable housing for families in our community.

Every gift helps our student builders learn, grow, and build something that truly matters.

👉 Donate today and be part of building skills, building homes, and building community: www.studentbuildprogram.org/support

This , support our partners who are making the 810 Sandusky Drive Street home happen! Without partnered agencies, we would not be able to have projects for students to complete. Please consider donating to The Housing Fellowship today. Visit https://www.studentbuildprogram.org/support to find their giving link!

The Housing Fellowship is an award-winning nonprofit Community Housing Development Organization with over 30 years of experience providing rental housing to low-income families. They believe that secure housing is paramount to the heath and stability of individuals, families, and our communities. When people can afford their rent - and more importantly, they like where they live - they stay.

Thank you to the Community Foundation of Johnson County for awarding us a grant to support this year’s home! 🏠

👀 Check it out! Our student builders are making incredible progress on the build site!