Would you go to great lengths for your dream home? Would you consider moving to another country or transforming an unconventional space into a luxurious living area? For many Americans featured in a recent CNBC Make It series, these questions were more than hypothetical. They have turned abandoned lighthouses, old baseball stadiums, and even decrepit Italian properties into their dream homes. Let’s take a closer look at some of these unique living spaces and the stories behind them.
One such remarkable transformation is the conversion of a former Indianapolis baseball stadium into a $14 million luxury apartment complex called Stadium Lofts. Michael Cox, along with his business partner John Watson and his sons, acquired the stadium for just $1 and embarked on a massive renovation project. The once-dilapidated stadium, which was home to the Indianapolis Indians from 1931 to 1996, now houses 138 apartments, ranging from one-bedroom units to lofts. The renovation preserved some of the ballpark’s original features, such as the scoreboard and ticket booths, creating a unique living experience for residents.
In another inspiring project, an abandoned high school known as “Bowtie High” was transformed into a 31-unit apartment building following an $3.3 million renovation. Jesse Wig, along with real estate investor Adam Colucci and developer Dan Spanovich, took on the challenge of converting the neglected school into modern living spaces. The apartments feature original chalkboards, spacious classrooms with large windows, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers. The success of this project led the team to acquire and renovate another abandoned school across the street, further revitalizing the neighborhood.
For test pilot Joe Sobczak, the dream home wasn’t just about square footage, but also about a place where he could keep his plane. He found the perfect solution in a residential airpark at the Pine Mountain Lake Airport, where he purchased a spacious home with a hangar for $698,000. Living in a community with access to airport facilities, Sobczak enjoys the convenience of flying to work at the San Francisco International Airport instead of enduring a three-hour drive. The unique lifestyle offered by the airpark, combined with the serene surroundings, makes it an ideal home for Sobczak.
Sheila Consaul’s journey to her dream home took an unexpected turn when she purchased an old lighthouse overlooking Lake Erie for $71,000. The 1925-built lighthouse had been abandoned since the late 1940s, and Consaul saw an opportunity to restore it to its former glory. Over a decade-long renovation process, she transformed the three-story lighthouse into a cozy living space with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Despite the challenges of the renovation, Consaul’s dedication and passion for the project have made it a rewarding experience.
In Sicily, Rubia Daniels seized the opportunity to purchase three run-down buildings for just 1 euro each as part of an initiative to attract foreign investors to revitalize the town. Despite the extensive mold, water damage, and termite infestation, Daniels saw the potential for her dream projects—a vacation home, a restaurant, and a wellness center. By investing $35,000 in renovations, she is turning these neglected properties into vibrant spaces that reflect her vision for the future.
These stories of innovative home transformations showcase the power of creativity, determination, and vision in turning unconventional spaces into dream homes. Whether it’s converting a baseball stadium into luxury apartments, renovating an abandoned school, or restoring a historic lighthouse, these homeowners have proven that with passion and hard work, any space can be transformed into a place of comfort and beauty.
