Home Town Takeover Season 1 Episode 1 First Hammer Swing

In the first episode of Home Town Takeover season 1, entitled "First Hammer Swing," hosts Erin and Ben Napier, along with their team of designers, builders, and volunteers, head to the small town of Wetumpka, Alabama to begin their ambitious renovation project. The team's mission is to revitalize the rurally located town by restoring local businesses, renovating homes, and bringing fresh energy to the community.

From the outset, the Napiers are greeted with enthusiasm and excitement from the residents of Wetumpka, who are eager to see the town transformed after years of decline. The first building on the team's list is the Main Street Cafe, a historic restaurant that has been serving customers for over 70 years. The cafe has retained many of its original features, including a beautiful curved bar, but it is in dire need of a facelift.

The task of renovating the cafe falls to team member and construction expert, Josh. He immediately recognizes the potential of the space, but also notes the significant challenges that lie ahead. The building is structurally unsound, with a leaky roof and rotting floorboards, and the kitchen is in dire need of updating.

Despite the daunting prospect of taking on such a massive project, Josh and his team dive in headfirst and begin the arduous process of demolition. They carefully strip away the layers of old plaster and drywall to reveal the original brick walls beneath. They also replace the old ceiling tiles with new ones, and build a new bar to replace the old one.

While Josh and his team work to renovate the cafe, Erin and Ben are busy with their own project; a dilapidated house on Main Street that has stood empty for over 20 years. The Napiers are determined to restore the house to its former glory and turn it into a beautiful family home. With the help of a local contractor, they begin the process of gutting the interior and removing years of decay and neglect.

As they work, Erin and Ben note the unique character of the house, including its original beadboard ceilings and beautiful woodwork. They also uncover an old spiral staircase that they plan to restore and keep as a feature of the new design. Over the course of several days, the team works tirelessly to restore the house to its former glory, using a mix of modern and traditional design elements to create a home that is both stylish and functional.

Throughout the episode, viewers also meet a number of the town's residents, including local business owners and homeowners who have been personally impacted by the revitalization project. Some are skeptical of the team's ability to pull off such an ambitious transformation, while others are excited to see what the future holds for Wetumpka.

In the end, the team's hard work pays off, with the Main Street Cafe and the newly restored house standing as proud symbols of the town's revitalization. As the first hammer swings echo through the streets of Wetumpka, it's clear that the spirit of community and perseverance is alive and well in this small Southern town.