The February 11, 2007 episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition is a Whitehall Ohio location! Columbus' own M/I Homes demolished and rebuilt a house for the family of former Marine Sergeant Jason L. Thomas. Whitehall is an eastside suburb of Columbus.
From the local website: "WATCH THE SHOW SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2007" The local website has lots of great photos, a journal and more. Plus the story of the owners heroic involvement in 9/11 is told on the local website. The story was depicted in the movie 'World Trade Center.'
Media coverage in November 2006 when the existing house was demolished and a new house was built at the site:
Columbus Dispatch -Whitehall home chosen for "Extreme Makeover" says:
"The TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has picked the Whitehall home of former Marine Sgt. Jason L. Thomas, whose heroism is depicted in the movie World Trade Center, as its next project."
Columbus Dispatch - Time short for family's fixer-upper
Akron Beacon Journal -9/11 hero gets a new house from TV's "Extreme Makeover" quoted a staff member of Extreme Makeover Home Edition about the old house built in 1998:
"Because the house is in such poor condition, the show's producers decided to build the family a new one."
Recent media updates:
Feb, 2008 Grove City News a local home inspection company donated their time and talent to the Thomas families cause. They inspected the existing home: "Chuck Faught and Lou Willard, owners of Premier Property Inspections will be featured on the show that rebuilds the homes of deserving families in one week." Lots of local companies were involved, there is a list on the local website
"9/11 hero's donated home mainly a blessing, but ..." in the Columbus Dispatch gives an inside look at finance of a makeover.
The Extreme Makeover Home Edition Website says:
"Next Episode:
Sunday, February 11, 7/6c
"Thomas Family," parts 1 & 2
An ex-Marine who risked his life to save two police officers at the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks will be honored with a new home in two emotional back-to-back episodes. "
Previously on Active Rain blog...in November when the episode was shot.
A most deserving young man and his family, a very appropriate choice.
Jay