A partially constructed modular home inside a workshop or training facility. The left side of the home is finished with red vertical siding and black trim around the windows, while the right side remains under construction with exposed plywood and Kimberly-Clark BLOCK-IT house wrap. The structure is elevated on concrete blocks, and the building is housed under a high industrial ceiling with visible lighting and piping.

Sealed bids will be accepted up until Friday, June 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the

Van Buren Intermediate School District

Business Office.

For the first time, Van Buren Tech’s On-Site Construction Trades students completed a full house build from start to finish within a single school year. Morning and afternoon classes teamed up with a friendly competition, each building half of the home. Instructor Austin Kelly shared that the students played a hands-on role in designing the house, choosing the vertical vinyl siding, black trim, and windows. Many came into the program having never picked up a hammer or tape measure before. By the end of the year, they stood proudly in front of a finished, quality-built home they created themselves.

This 1,040 square foot, three bedroom, one bath ranch style home is now available for sealed bid, starting at $60,000.

The buyer is responsible for transporting the home from the Van Buren ISD campus to their chosen location. Estimated moving costs within Van Buren County range from $12,000 to $14,000 depending on distance and site conditions. All bids must include proof of funds for both the purchase and moving costs. Payment in full is due within 30 days of the bid award. The home must be removed by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Construction Trades House - Van Buren Tech Bid.”

For full details and bid instructions, visit:

Questions? Contact Robert Smith at (269) 539-5325 or rsmith@vbisd.org