Southern Illinois News

Illinois State Sen. Dave Fowler said a groundbreaking in Cairo by Eminence Resource using one of the seven 3D home building machines in the country to build a duplex in the community "marks a significant step forward."

"Saturday was an amazing day to be in Cairo!" Fowler wrote in a post on Facebook. "The groundbreaking marks a significant step forward for not only this community but all of Southern Illinois, opening up new possibilities for innovation, education, and economic development!  

"Eminence Resource has purchased one of only seven 3D home building machines currently in the US and first in Illinois to build a 3D duplex which they are donating to the city," he wrote. "This duplex will house families displaced after McBride and Elmwood housing units closed. In a world often marked by division and discord, it is truly inspiring to witness all these individuals coming together for a cause greater than themselves."

“This revolutionary 3D machine marks a significant leap forward in residential construction. Not only did those in attendance get the opportunity to see the machinery at work today, but they got to celebrate the day with a block party complete with lunch and many free giveaways including taking home groceries and fresh produce. The party was made possible by a grant my foundation, Fowler Bonan Foundation, received from Archer Daniels Midland, ADM, to help increase food security in this area. This 3D printed home is a symbol of the spirit of innovation and dedication to creating a brighter future for Cairo and the region,” Fowler wrote in a Facebook post.

The groundbreaking Fowler referenced in his Facebook post happened on Aug. 17, on Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., between 16th and 17th Streets, according to an Aug. 13 report from KFVS12. The event also included speeches from local leaders, free treats from the American Ice Cream Truck,  free groceries from the Fowler Bonan Foundation and ADM Cares, and a variety of giveaways, resources, and Amazon products, KFVS12 reported.

"This project represents a significant step forward in sustainable and innovative construction. We are dedicated to leveraging advanced technology to create affordable, eco-friendly housing solutions that can benefit communities around the world," said Josh Burtis with Eminence in a news report from WSILTV.com

Sen. Dale Fowler represents the people of the 59th Senate District. He was mayor of Harrisburg prior to joining the state senate and is a business development officer for the People’s National Bank in Harrisburg, and has been since he retired from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2012, according to his official Senate biography. Previous political and civic experience includes as a city commissioner and as a Saline County Board member. He is the chairman of the Midland Institute’s Saline County CEO program focusing on educating youths about entrepreneurial opportunities, also according to his official biography.