Last year, McKown Village opened the doors of 32 cottages in Norman, OK. These homes—ranging from 358 to almost 700 square feet—might seem small to some people, but to those who moved in, they’re palatial. The residents had been homeless, finding shelter where they could, often on the streets. Here at Ideal Homes, we’ve witnessed the big impact of tiny homes.
Gene McKown, our president of development, spearheaded the project for Food and Shelter, a Norman-based non-profit organization. Gene raised money along with awareness. He reached out to friends, co-workers, business people, and community members and groups. Once an auctioneer as well as an experienced fundraiser, Gene used his skills and raised $800,000—in one day. That was just for starters!
Ideal Homes and many of its partners provided materials and labor, with plenty of help from the community. From concept to completion, the project took about three years. When it was finished, this community of tiny homes off Main Street was aptly named “Gene & Judy McKown Village”.
This village provides transitional housing. Residents can live in a cottage for up to a year. During that time, they work on rebuilding their lives, regaining their health, and finding work to support an independent life. When they leave McKown Village, they can take the furnishings with them. Each cottage has a local sponsor that ensures the next resident moves into a welcoming home that is fully furnished.
“It really impresses me when people do things like this,” Gene commented. “The love that has gone into these is completely amazing.”
From tiny to just-right
Tiny houses have grown in popularity for people who want to simplify their lives. Builders have applied intelligent use of space to create compact residences that include all the important features. At Ideal Homes, we’ve designed several floor plans that provide style and comfort in a small footprint.
The Aster design uses every inch of its 954 square feet. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath model provides the features that homeowners want—like a master suite, outdoor living space, and an open floor plan. We’ve expanded the open feeling of the living room by adding a vaulted ceiling. Ideal Homes includes other value-added features: an energy-efficient 14 SEER air conditioning system, fresh air ventilation system, clean water delivery system, anchor bolts and tornado ties, and privacy fence—backed by our 10-year structural warranty.
People who walk through the Astaire model are often surprised when we tell them it’s 994 square feet of indoor living space. This home design gives you the same standard features as the Aster, but with a bit more room. The galley kitchen makes smart use of space, and the wood cabinetry lends eye-catching appeal.
If you want a third bedroom, look at the Bessera floor plan. As our most affordable, three-bedroom design, the Bessera situates two bedrooms on one side of the home and the keeps the master suite separate, for privacy.
Ideal Homes offers floor plans for every stage of your life—from the first-time homebuyer to the growing family and empty-nester. From the 954-square-foot Aster to the Quinlan Modern 3,381-square-foot floor plan, we focus on the details that matter. Explore our communities of move-in ready, new homes for sale in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas. Browse our floor plans, and let’s see how we can fit into your plans!
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