Fowler Bonan & ADM Throw Huge Block Party To Celebrate!
On a sunny Saturday in Cairo, Illinois, history was made as the community gathered to witness the groundbreaking of the region’s first 3D-printed home—a significant step in the city’s revitalization. The event, held on August 17th at the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and 16th and 17th Streets, was organized by the Fowler Bonan Foundation in collaboration with ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company). It was a day of celebration, hope, and a glimpse into the future of sustainable and affordable housing.
The centerpiece of the event was the announcement by Josh Burtis of Eminence Resources Inc. that the first 3D-printed house would be donated to the city of Cairo. “This project represents a significant step forward in sustainable and innovative construction,” Burtis said. “We are dedicated to leveraging advanced technology to create affordable, eco-friendly housing solutions that can benefit communities around the world.”
Unlike traditional construction methods, which can take months, the use of 3D printing technology allows for homes to be built in a matter of weeks. Mike Miceli, CEO of Black Buffalo 3D, whose company provided the 3D printers for the project, remarked, “3D construction will play a vital role in revitalizing the region. This is the first of many planned projects that will serve as a showcase for attainable housing and strengthening infrastructure.”
This innovative project comes at a crucial time for Cairo, a city that has faced significant challenges, including the loss of the Elmwood and McBride housing units, which displaced many families. Senator Dale Fowler of the 59th District, a longtime advocate for Cairo, expressed his excitement about the project. “This is such an exciting new development to bring displaced families back home,” he said. “This is the start of more development and growth to come for this community and throughout Southern Illinois.”
Cairo Mayor Thomas Simpson, who has been working closely with Senator Fowler, emphasized the importance of community in the city’s resurgence. “A lot of these folks were born and raised here, just like I was—this is home,” Simpson said. “Seeing growth and new development in front of you makes it real. This the first time I would say in some 30 have years we had a home built here from ground up so that’s really the big thing,
This is just the beginning. We want to ensure Cairo is a safe, thriving community where people can come back home and build their lives.”
The day’s celebrations also included a block party where attendees enjoyed grilled cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks, while shopping for groceries and fresh produce from the Food Works Mobile Farmers Market. Fun Foods Ministry provided free snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy, and the American Ice Cream truck offered sweet treats. A semi-truck filled with Amazon products from 4 Good Community was a crowd-pleaser, as all items were given away for free.
“This celebration not only addresses housing needs but also brings the community together in a meaningful way,” Senator Fowler noted. “It’s about setting new standards for sustainable, affordable living while tackling food insecurity and fostering a sense of unity in Cairo.”
As the first 3D-printed home rises in Cairo, it serves as a symbol of the city’s resilience and the collective effort to create a brighter, more prosperous future. This project is just the beginning of a series of developments aimed at revitalizing Cairo and bringing families back to a place they proudly call home.
A block party celebration followed the groundbreaking. Those in attendance were treated with a lunch of grilled cheeseburgers and hot dogs, chips and drinks. And given the opportunity to shop off pallets of groceries and fresh produce from the Food Works Mobile Farmers Market. The Fun Foods Ministry servied free sno cones, popcorn and cotton candy. Ice cream treats provided by the American Ice Cream truck. An exciting addition was a semi filled with Amazon products that was given away from 4 Good Community.
