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North St. Paul honors Tom Spence for 17 years mentoring student home-build program
Summary
The council presented recognition to Tom Spence for leading a student home-build program for 17 years; the program has completed about 15 houses, partners with St. Paul College and the city, and serves as hands-on workforce training for high school students.
The North St. Paul City Council honored Tom Spence for 17 years of leadership in the student home-build program that partners local high school students with city staff and contractors to construct houses and teach construction trades.
Council members and the mayor praised Spence’s mentorship and the program’s impact on neighborhoods and student career paths. "You have done just such an amazing amount of work in this city and improved these neighborhoods," one council member said, noting the program’s role in removing blighted properties and replenishing housing stock.
Spence said the program has built about 15 houses over the years; COVID interrupted some projects and a title-transfer delay led to one canceled build. He described the partnership with St. Paul College’s carpentry/cabinet-making program and said the college is stepping in to provide a carpentry instructor who is also a general contractor. "I feel very confident that he can take over for the program," Spence said of the college instructor.
Spence described student outcomes from the apprenticeship-style program: he said his son began working with crews while in high school and is now a job superintendent for a construction company. The current year’s student-built house, Spence said, was nearing completion: interior trim is nearly finished, flooring was scheduled for installation next week, and the goal was to have the house ready for market and an open house in June (Spence said the last day of school is June 6 and landscaping scheduling was handled by city staff Randy).
Program founders and long-term contributors were named during the presentation: Spence credited Connie Bones, who started the program in 1997, and acknowledged ongoing city support from staff including Ron and Randy. Council members said the program not only reduces blight and increases housing value, but gives students practical skills and a pathway into construction careers.
The council presented Spence with a plaque and posed for photos; no formal council action was required — the item was a recognition and presentation.
