Project is example of good when everyone works together

By PAULA BARR / Daily Journal Staff Writer

Published: Thursday, March 15, 2007
Updated: Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:17 PM CDT

Like a Phoenix who rises from the ashes, Shawn Hornbeck's new home sprung from the ruins of the house in which he was reared.

The home and its contents were a gift to the family from McBride and Son Homes and Mattingly Lumber Company, subcontractors and suppliers, and well-wishers around the world. Shawn and his parents, Craig and Pam Akers, had a private tour of their new home in Richwoods Tuesday evening.

“They asked us to come up with one word to describe it,” Craig Akers told a crowd of reporters Wednesday. “I couldn't think of a word that described what we felt, so I made one up. It's fantabulous!”

The Akers received the keys to their new home during the morning press conference, along with the news that a recent donation had paid off the remainder of the mortgage. Shawn did not attend the event.

“We know that everyone that worked on our house in the last few weeks has given not only their time and hard work but have also left us a piece of their heart,” Pam Akers said. “I want to assure everyone that this wonderful gift has touched us deeply and this house will be filled with love and joy as our family continues to heal.”

John Eilermann, CEO of McBride & Son Homes, presented the keys to the Akers. Eilermann explained that his employee-owned company felt a connection to Shawn because his aunt, Shari Frasier, has been McBride's lumber representative for more than 20 years.

Less than 24 hours after Shawn was rescued from a home in Kirkwood where he had lived since his Oct. 6, 2002, kidnapping, Eilermann and John Mattingly Jr. of Mattlingly Lumber Company met to discuss what they could do for Shawn and his family.

It's became perfectly clear we needed to do what we do best. Build them a home,” Eilermann said. “From the moment we went public with the project, we have received thousands of e-mails and phone calls from people literally around the world.”

Groundbreaking took place Jan. 26, during which Shawn's childhood home was demolished. McBride and Son promised the new home would be completed in 60 days. Instead, it took only 44 days to build, furnish and landscape the 2,000 square foot home.

At one point, 75 union carpenters framed the house in seven hours in freezing weather. As the project continued, more than 140 companies donated time or materials.

“Ultimately, this project has become a glowing example of the good that can happen in a community when we all work together,” Eilermann said.

The light-brown brick home features porches in front and back, a three-car garage, four bedrooms and three full baths. With the exception of the spare bedroom, all rooms are fully furnished with new furniture. There are three plasma televisions, a central vacuum system, gas fireplace and recessed lighting throughout the home.

Each room has a ceiling fan, the master bedroom features a Jacuzzi, and closets are custom-designed. Even the doghouse is customized.

The house also is protected by a security system.

The ceramic tile entry way opens into a living room with a vaulted ceiling. Off to one side is the dining room, with floor-to-ceiling bay windows and a table that seats 10. The kitchen features black appliances, granite countertops and wooden cabinets fully equipped with pots, pans and other kitchen equipment.

Most of the interior walls are painted a silvery tan color called ‘mushroom cap.' Per his request, Shawn's room is painted blue. A lighted movie display for “The Fast and the Furious” hangs on the wall near his bed. A box of tools, model car and motorcycle kits sit in the teenager's closet.

The master bedroom features a walk-in closet, coffered ceiling and a huge bathroom that includes a Jacuzzi and large, glassed-in shower.

The finished basement includes a home theater room and an office for the Shawn Hornbeck Foundation. Cabinets and drawers of the office are filled with copy paper, Post-It notes and other office supplies. A home gym sits in another section of the basement for Shawn.

The yard is sodded and landscaped with evergreens, trees and shrubs. A new barbecue grill sits on the back porch.

“It started out as a nice house and just kept growing,” said John DeGuire, senior construction manager for McBride and Son. DeGuire estimated the value of the home as more than $350,000.

While the Akers were thanking people for their generosity, Gov. Matt Blunt was honoring law enforcement agents and volunteers who helped reunite Shawn and Ben Ownby with their families. During a ceremony in his oval office, Blunt signed a proclamation honoring members of the Franklin County Sheriff Department, Kirkwood Police Department, FBI and the Shawn Hornbeck Foundation who were all instrumental in helping return Shawn and Ben to their families.

The House and Senate also honored those involved and the Missouri State Highway Patrol presented Mitchell Hults with the patrol's Honorary Trooper Certificate for his role.

Mitchell saw a suspicious white pickup truck in the area after Ben got off the school bus. He shared that information with investigators, which ultimately led police to the home of Michael Devlin in Kirkwood. Inside, they found Shawn and Ben.

Devlin faces state and federal charges in the case.

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