3 days ago
'It's mine': Wagner's housing effort brings dreams within reach
May 30—WAGNER, S.D. — When a pre-built home rolled into Wagner last fall, few could predict how significant it would become. For Irene Sully, 54, it wasn't just the first Governor's House to arrive in town — it was her very first home.
"I never thought I'd be able to own a house," said Sully, a first-time homebuyer. "When they brought it in, I just stood there watching them unload it. It was such an emotional moment."
Sully purchased the first Governor's Home brought to Wagner, part of a broader effort to bring affordable, high-quality housing options to the community. She's now finishing the interior and expects to move in soon.
"My house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms — one with a tub and one with a walk-in shower," she said. "I've added a two-stall garage, and I'm planning a porch soon. It's everything I wanted."
The initiative is being led locally by Wagner Area Growth, Inc. (WAG), a nonprofit development corporation working to strengthen the local economy. WAG has plans to bring in at least two more Governor's Houses to Wagner as part of this effort to expand affordable, high-quality housing options for the community. The homes are purchased from the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) through the Governor's House Program, which offers affordable, energy-efficient homes to income-qualified South Dakotans.
"We're not just putting houses in the ground," said Margaret Doom, Wagner's economic development director. "We're building opportunity — for individuals, for families, and for the long-term future of Wagner."
WAG owns the homes when they arrive and selects details like flooring, paint and appliances. Doom said the goal is to offer homes that feel modern and move-in ready.
"We tried to put the best of everything into ours," she said. "The best appliances, flooring, colors — we want these to be homes people are proud of."
The first home sold quickly to Sully. The second Governor's Home, now placed in town, is being used for open houses until it sells, giving residents a chance to see the quality firsthand.
"There's a stigma that's followed Governor's Homes in the past, and we're working hard to change that," Doom said. "These homes are beautiful, customizable, and efficient."
Governor's Houses have sometimes faced skepticism due to their affordability and prison-built origins, often seen as basic or low-end. Doom says WAG is challenging that perception by showing how high-quality and attractive these homes can be.
Buyers are responsible for several key parts of the setup — including securing a lot, laying a foundation (such as a crawl space or basement), installing utilities, and adding floor coverings. For example, a buyer like Sully would need to choose a site, hire a contractor to pour the foundation, coordinate with utility companies, and make interior decisions. WAG helps guide them through each step.
Governor's Houses are built by inmates at Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield through a program managed by SDHDA. Since 1996, more than 3,300 have been sold. Prices typically range from $79,000 to $99,900, with income and net worth limits for eligibility. For a household of one or two, annual income must be under $66,570; for three or more, under $76,080.
Doom says the homes are part of a broader effort to "jumpstart the housing cycle" — providing starter homes for young adults, long-term homes for families, and retirement-friendly options.
"Right now, we don't have enough starter homes," Doom said. "And if young people can't find a place to live, they leave. We want to stop that."
According to the U.S. Census, from 2010 to 2020, poverty in Wagner dropped significantly — and so did the population. While Doom questions whether those numbers reflect a true population decline or a drop in poverty, she believes the solution lies in housing revitalization.
WAG is also focused on education — offering workshops on home maintenance, connecting residents with resources, and encouraging long-term stewardship.
"A house only stays valuable if it's cared for," Doom said. "We want to teach people about siding, roofing, all of it. When someone eventually moves out, that house should still be in good shape for the next family."
Doom also praised SDHDA's flexibility in working with nonprofits. The program allows up to a year to sell a home before payment is due — a grace period WAG didn't need for Sully's home but that she says is essential for other communities.
"Every home we place is part of a bigger picture," she said. "It's not just about shelter — it's about bringing people into the community, helping them succeed, and building something sustainable."
For Sully, that vision is already a reality.
"I'm so proud of this home," she said. "It's mine. And it's in Wagner. That means everything."
Looking ahead, Doom says Wagner's future won't be defined by population or wealth — but by lives changed.
"Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all perfect small town," she said. "Every town has to define its own success. For us, that means making Wagner a place where people want to stay, grow, and dream big."
