In 1972 Benny Clark started working at Claranette Apartments as a handyman. When the owner wanted to begin renovating, Clark became the go-to guy — whether it be carpentry, installing a new furnace, cutting grass, or planting bushes.
In 1974 Clark took his skills to the field of home building and has stayed there ever since.
Clark – now a 45-year member of the Home Builders Association of Owensboro and owner of Homes by Benny Clark alongside his wife and interior designer Paula Hedden-Clark — remains passionate about building people their dream homes.
Two of these homes will be on display this weekend. Clark initially planned on showing the homes as a part of the Home Builders Association “Parade of Homes.” After making preparations, he learned that the Parade of Homes dates were moved to July 29-30 and August 5-6.
Clark decided to go through with showing what he calls his two “Parade Homes” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday. “Lake Ridge View” is located at 5800 St. Lawrence Road, and “Wells Landing” is located at 6485 Boston Laffoon Road.
“My clients are moving in at the end of June,” Clark said. “I made a commitment to them and they’re excited about their homes being on tour this Saturday.”
Clark explained that the homes he has on display are “Universal Design: Aging in Place” environments and take a focus on accessibility.
“(There is a) need, because the people that have mobility issues coming to kids’ or grandkids’ houses (can’t) negotiate steps, use bathrooms, or get around in compartmentalized floor plans” Clark said.
The homes accomplish this in many ways — including an open floor plan, wide hallways, minimizing the amount of steps, and comfort level bathrooms.
“You can bring any scooter or wheelchair and get right in our homes,” Clark said. “If a grandmother or mother — maybe she’s in a walker — wants to come over and wash dishes at the sink, she can be a part of that and other people can pass behind her.”
In addition to making the homes accessible, Clark said he tries to make the entire process accessible by using documents that are buyer/seller friendly, written warranties, labeling appliances with care instructions, and giving each house a bucket of chemical free cleaning supplies.
Clark aims to help people not just through his homes, but also with efforts throughout Owensboro. Clark is one of the founders of Dream Riders of Kentucky and has recently been working with the Opportunity Center of Owensboro.
“If you want to be happy, you make someone else happy,” Clark said. “I try to pass that on to all my subcontractors and different people all of the time.”
