329 McIlrath is start of area's renewal

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[SIC Foundation -- and, undoubtedly, city officials -- are hoping the new house at 329 McIlrath St. will be the cornerstone of renewal on that street.

The 1,600 square-feet, three-bedroom, two and 1/2 bathroom craftsman-style house was built by the SIC building trades students and is listed for sale by the SIC Foundation.

McIlrath Street has fallen on hard times. Sometimes derisively known as McCrackilrath, the street became a run-down center of drug trade a few years ago. Since then, crime appears to have crested and declined and the city has undertaken an aggressive campaign to condemn and raze dilapidated houses. Several lots on McIlrath have been cleared, most recently in October when a condemned house was leveled by Roger Angelly on behalf of the city. Now, only a few of the truly distressed houses are left, SIC Foundation Director Tracey Wyatt said.

The street is also part of a Community Development Assistance Project grant program that will enable qualified residents to receive funds for home improvements. Homeowners have been chosen and work will begin soon.

The house for sale by the SIC Foundation sits on two lots donated by the city about three years ago. This is the third house built by the building trades classes, instructor Curtis Rowlen said. The houses amount to on-the-job training for students, some of whom are in the program on dual-credit offerings from Harrisburg, Eldorado, Galatia and Gallatin County high schools, Rowlen said.

"What was not covered in our curriculum is hired out," Rowlen said.

The students obviously take pride in their work. Class members volunteered to conduct tours of the house and answer questions. Rowlen said he would put the workmanship in the house up against any house in the same price category built by contractors.

The SIC Foundation has more lots available on McIlrath Street.

"It depends upon how quickly this house sells," Wyatt said.

The asking price for the house is $82,000, Wyatt said. The house was appraised at that price, he said.

-- For information about the sale, you may call the SIC Foundation at

252-5400, ext. 2120.