Utah family comes home to unique Habitat house

Alex and MaryKae Blair began the New Year in the best possible way: as Habitat homeowners. Their new home, known as the George Taylor Jr. House, was built in 1885 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Gothic Revival-style structure had fallen on hard times, though — when purchased by Habitat Utah County, the house needed multiple upgrades, including the replacement of bricks, window frames, chimneys, all five doors and the entire roof.

House before, during and after renovation

After more than a year of renovations performed by more than 900 volunteers, the 129-year-old house looks bright and new with eggshell paint, green trim and a red door. “We’re super excited,” says MaryKae Blair.

That definitely includes the kids, ages 4 to 13. “‘Are we moving today?’ became an everyday question” after the November ribbon cutting, she says.

“We’re so pleased and grateful to Habitat for giving us this chance,” Blair says. “And to all the volunteers who helped us. We just can’t thank you enough.”

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