Tiny House Built By Prince George's Students Up For Auction

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — A 280-square-foot tiny house built by Prince George's County Public Schools students will go up for auction Sunday with a minimum reserve price of $55,000.

Proceeds will help fund the construction of the school system's 50th student-built house and support scholarships, vocational training and equipment for students entering the workforce.

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Known as Homestead 24, the home is the 49th built through the district's Student-Built House program and its first tiny house.

The house will be showcased and auctioned Oct. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at Keller Williams Preferred Properties, 1441 McCormick Drive in Upper Marlboro. The live auction begins at 2 p.m.

Built by students enrolled in the district's Career and Technical Education program, Homestead 24 features 204 square feet of main living space and a 76-square-foot sleeping loft.

Despite its small footprint, the home includes a full kitchen with modern appliances, a bathroom with a shower and a dedicated living area. Other features include a mini-split heating and cooling system, recessed LED lighting, a washer and dryer, refrigerator, shiplap interior walls, metal roofing and closed-cell spray insulation.

"Homestead 24 represents what's possible when education, industry and community come together around our students," said Raynah Adams, president of the Foundation for Applied Construction Technology for Students, also known as FACTS. "This first tiny house is an exciting milestone for the program and a powerful example of the innovation and craftsmanship our students bring to every project."

For decades, Prince George's County students have participated in the Student-Built House program, gaining hands-on experience constructing homes while working alongside instructors and construction industry professionals.

Students learn residential construction skills, including framing, electrical work, plumbing, heating and cooling systems and finishing.

"The Student-Built House program gives students real-world experience while preparing them for careers in the construction industry," said Pamela Smith, the district's director of Career and Technical Education. "The sale of Homestead 24 will help us continue investing in students and building the next generation of skilled professionals."

The program is supported by FACTS, a nonprofit that works with Prince George's County Public Schools to expand opportunities for students interested in construction and building trades.

"Year after year, I've watched our students turn what they learn in the classroom into something real," said Howard Burnett, a longtime FACTS board member. "To see their skills, confidence and craftsmanship grow through this program is truly remarkable."

Homestead 24 is certified by the National Organization of Alternative Housing, or NOAH, and was inspected during five stages of construction to ensure it meets the organization's dwelling standards.

Prospective buyers should be aware that they are responsible for verifying local zoning regulations and determining where the tiny house on wheels can legally be placed.

Transportation of the home can be arranged for the winning bidder.

In addition to the 2 p.m. live auction, Sunday's event will feature a silent auction, DJ and food trucks.

Guests can register on-site with a photo ID. Event parking will be available at 1601 McCormick Drive, next door to the auction location. Parking will not be permitted at 1441 McCormick Drive.

Anyone interested in attending can RSVP for the Oct. 18 auction through Eventbrite.

Prospective buyers seeking additional information can contact Patricia Long, broker and owner of Keller Williams Preferred Properties, at 240-737-5000 or patricialong@kw.com.