Ladies bring out the hammers

Mortenson, AWC team up with Habitat for Humanity

August 2, 2013 at 4:47PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Kelly Thommes, left, and Sara Aulizia, work on the North Minneapolis home.
Kelly Thommes, left, and Sara Aulizia, work on the North Minneapolis home. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

On Wednesday, an all-female crew teamed up to help build a new Habitat for Humanity home in North Minneapolis.

The 1,500-square-foot house at 2939 Morgan Av. N. is the result of a partnership between Golden Valley-based Mortenson Construction and the Association of Women Contractors. Once completed, an Ethiopian mother, her two young children, and their grandfather will become the homeowners.

The home, featuring three bedrooms, two baths, a two-stall garage and a front porch, is one of two "Women Build" homes being constructed in the Twin Cities. Women provide the funding and volunteer labor.

"We are delighted to show our strength as women craft workers and dedicated community members by building this home in North Minneapolis," said Kelly Mansell, Mortenson senior project manager, in a statement.

Barb Lau, AWC executive director, said the organization is "committed to increasing the ranks of women in construction. This project is one way we can demonstrate to other women the possibilities of a rewarding career in the construction industry."

In the photo above, Kelly Thommes, left, the owner of AirFresh Industries, and Sara Aulizia, of Mortenson Construction, work on the North MInneapolis home.

Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.


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