On July 25, nearly 40 volunteers rallied together to transform the longtime home of Jean McLaren, a 69-year-old Minneapolis resident and lifelong member of the community. Perkins & Will generously sponsored the project day, with additional volunteer support from Emanuelson-Podas. Team Captain Jared Kaesmeyer led the charge.
“What a day! We transformed Jean’s home. We had almost 40 people come out to help get this job done. Starting at 8:00 and ending at 4:5.9.”
Jean’s home holds a unique place in the neighborhood’s history – according to her, it’s one of the original homes in the area and was physically relocated in the early twenties to make way for the construction of Roosevelt High School. Jean has lived there for 37 years, and thanks to the volunteers, it now shines with renewed life.
“I am still in complete awe looking at my stunning home,” Jean shared. “There is still such goodness… (such) kind-hearted people… I will definitely be paying this forward.”
The team worked through high heat and humidity to complete a full exterior paint job — including trim, garage, and gazebo — along with caulking and weatherstripping.
“It’s amazing how we can impact our community when we share even just a few hours of our time together,” said Kaesmeyer.
Trey Wodele from Hearts & Hammers added, “Perkins & Will put in some painstaking work to perform a beautiful paint job that truly transformed the home and ensured that its exterior will be sound for another decade. The volunteers should be proud to have contributed to this unique home and community”
Thank you to Perkins & Will, Emanuelson-Podas, and every volunteer who helped preserve a piece of local history — and made one homeowner’s year.
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