Living large in small spaces may be the current trend, but the Bluebird House was clearly at its limits. With four medically fragile young men needing hospital level support, four bedrooms with medical equipment and lifts, two to three staff providing medical care, and families wanting to visit, the home’s 1,300 square feet was bursting at its seams. All four fellows couldn’t watch TV together because the space was too small. Several visitors at a time needed to come in shifts so there was enough room.
In addition, Danny Schmitt, the young man with the broad, heart-warming smile, got the last bedroom. With Danny’s bed and medical equipment, his room had less than a couple feet of maneuverable space. Barely enough room for the medical support he required let alone to make it a room of his own.
Now, thanks to the BATC Foundation and contributions from partners, vendors and donors, when Danny celebrates his birthday on February 24th, there will be plenty of room for everyone! Under the guidance of Build Partner Vujovich Design Build, 400 sq. ft. of the Bluebird house was remodeled, an addition of 1,000 sq. ft. was built, and an outside deck of 300 sq. ft. can now be easily accessed out the patio door.
According to Diane Schmitt, Danny’s mom, everyone is enjoying the new living room. Everything is bright and clean with plenty of room. “The men really like to sit by the windows and look out. Multiple families can enjoy the space at one time, which was really great at Christmas.”
Diane, as well as all the families, are very appreciative of the many people involved in the project. She said “Everyone who worked on the Bluebird House was so nice! Danny’s new room is wonderful too! He seems a lot more content and happy now that he has a space that really feels like his own. We want to sincerely express our gratitude for everything that was done for the fellows who live in the home, as well as the team who takes care of them.”
Build Partner Testimonial
“What a great experience the Bluebird Project has been! Every time we’re involved with a philanthropic project we meet great new friends and trade partners, and we enjoy the benefits of giving back to the community we love.”
Ed Roskowinski
Vujovich Design Build,
CR, Owner/General Manager
Landscape Partner Testimonial
“Giving something back to the community has always been an important part of Southview Design. When presented with the opportunity to work with the BATC Foundation on a variety of projects, we gladly accept the challenge. The result is a collaborative effort among our colleagues in the building trades industry to give back by doing what we do best.”
Chris Clifton
Southview Design,
President
