From Deseret News archives:
Logan makeover starts with extreme demolition
The buckets on the Cats swung and took out the house where Seneti Pauni, her eight children and her nephew once lived.
The Pauni family's home is being rebuilt as part of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Their home will be completed Sunday and will be the largest one attempted so far, at nearly 5,600 square feet.
Hundreds of people showed up to cheer and watch as the old house became a pile of sticks.
Pennington in his usual style carried a hand-held camera in one hand and showed the family, which is on vacation, exactly what was happening.
Volunteer needs were filled by 8:30 a.m. Monday.
"Everyone in this community is coming together to make this happen," said Logan Fire Chief Mark Meaker.
Many say the community is so willing to give to this family because the Paunis have given to them.
Seneti Pauni and her family run four businesses to stay afloat. She has been known to cook large amounts of food and take it out to others.
"She is not always thinking of herself," said Jed Al-Imari, Logan city streets and sewer water manager. "With nine kids, you don't have time."
Danny Pauni died two years ago from a heart attack, leaving Seneti and their eight children struggling both emotionally and financially.
Brandy Hill, of Logan, came out to see the demolition and to offer support. Her son plays football with the Pauni boys and she also eats at one of the restaurants the Paunis help with.
"I think it's great," she said. "They are very deserving."
Designer Preston Sharp said the plans are "top secret," but will accommodate a family of nine with Tongan heritage.
"We were crushed with hugs when we knocked on the door," he said.
Sharp's background as a furniture historian and designer will likely be on display when the home is finished. "There will be unique sofas and chairs," he said. "Maybe some bark."
Sharp said something may even be integrated into the design that will help the family with their catering business, "but I won't say any more."
Kartchner Homes, which was contacted by ABC, will be the main contractor on the project. However, to finish the house in time, they went to competitors for help.
"We asked our competitors, our subcontractors and they asked their competitors," Troy Kartchner said. "It's all about the family."
Comments
- Tuesday on TV 12:13 a.m.
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale 12:13 a.m.
- I'll take doc's advice on mammogram 12:12 a.m.
- Editorial: Winning fans' hearts 12:11 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Barzee case like Jeffs' 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Trump card for believers 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Can't erase genetics 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Rushing to judge Palin 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: MLS not BCS 12:11 a.m.
- Real Champions
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
- Plenty on line for rivalry game
- Time for big matchups in WAC, MWC
- BCS at-large bids up for grabs
- Hall, Johnson matchup key
- Fans greet returning Real Salt Lake
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
212 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
195 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
132 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
130 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
109 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
Associated Press Personal Finance Writer Candice Choi offers gift-giving...
I hope Donny wins. His humility, courage and humor are very refreshing....
but it is Provo's Craig Drury polishing his 8 rings as head coach.
Like the newspaper said, "...the first time since '84 national...
I think Mya did not deserve the nine's from the 3 judges on her free dance -...
College football will NEVER revert to the old bowl system. It has gone too...
We don't need another layer of government, which obviously represents more...
And this surprises someone? It's too easy in Utah to deceive the masses....
We cannot afford this monstrosity! Any claims that it will save money are...
I grew up in SLC and have always been a huge BYU fan. Honestly I can say most...
These are not essential government programs needed to ensure our national...



You can be the first to comment on this story.