Navy Seabees Swarm Habitat for Humanity Construction Site

The construction site for was buzzing with workers on Tuesday.

About a dozen US Navy Seabees are volunteering their time this week to help build the house at the corner of Franklin Boulevard and Lakewood Avenue. 

With the tactical precision one might expect at a base camp in a combat zone, the Seabees buzzed around the Habitat site, saws humming and hammers pounding.

By the end of the week, officials hope the walls will be erected. 

The effort is a part of Navy Week, and Cleveland was one of 15 cities selected to highlight the commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, said Lt. Ann Jefferson, a public affairs officer for the US Navy.

“We’re lucky to have all the extras that come along with Navy Week — projects like this,” she said.

The Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seabee Unit No. 26, made up of Northeast Ohio reservists, volunteered to help Habitat.

Petty Officer 1st Class Ron Hendershot said that the “shore-based” battalion — that includes mechanics, builders, plumbers, engineers and supply workers — isn’t accustomed to building homes. 

“So, we’re following Habitat’s lead,” he said. “We hope to accomplish as much as we can this week to make it easier for the Habitat people to do their job.”

The crew will be at the site through the end of the week.

Hendershot said the construction site is sort of a like a base camp.

“But we don’t have to set up manned positions to guard it,” he said. “And no guns.” 

The construction of the city’s second-ever Habitat for Humanity began earlier this month.

The home, at 1549 Lakewood Avenue, will be built at the site of a former apartment complex deemed a “nuisance” by the city and .

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity is overseeing the project.

Habitat is still looking for volunteers. For more information call volunteer coordinator Kim Pride at 216-429-1299.