Construction equipment is rolling on the site where Kevin Murphy is working to rebuild the Knox County homestead, which is more than 200 years old. Murphy hopes to have the construction done by November of this year.
"I've lived in a lot of different places here in the states and even spent about six months in Australia," Murphy said. "I've thought a lot about where I really wanted to settle down, and finally decided that this old farm feels more like home than anyplace in the world."
Murphy managed to secure a loan for the construction from Farm Credit Services of Mid-America. Rebuilding the new home, rather than tearing it down and starting fresh, could cost Murphy 30 percent to 50 percent more.
The renovation project began in May, and the completed house will have four bedrooms and 2,600 square feet of living area. Throughout the construction, attention has been paid to the historical significance of the house, though some things have changed to reflect modern conveniences.
As it turns out, Murphy may not be alone when it comes to residential construction. According to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, building permits increased by 2.7 percent during August.
