Despite rainy skies and (more than) a few delays, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build took on a life of its own as the first box was placed on the foundation around 12:00 am Sunday morning.

Throughout the early morning hours and well into the day Sunday, flatbed after flatbed rolled up Fleetwood, bringing additional boxes which were then connected to an enormous crane and set into place, with team members from Excel, Artisan Fine Homes, and the Rachuba Group supervising.

The question of the day from onlookers, VIPs and those not familiar with the building trade was, “That’s a modular?”

“This build will really change people’s perception of ‘modular,’ said Rob Ebbets, VP of Marketing for Excel. “We’re out to change people’s minds, and what better platform that a show seen by millions? The Girls Hope house will prove that this format goes well beyond the stereotypical ‘double wide’ and show that the sky’s the limit when it comes to design options, quality and site assembly.”

The new day brought new groups of volunteers, crowds of spectators, and media. Some highlights included a busload of employees and families from Excel’s Avis and Liverpool plants, who were treated to a front-and-center view of the build site, some welcoming words from Excel CEO Steve Scheinkman, visits from Extreme Makeover designers Michael Moloney, Paul DiMeo and Xzibit, as well as officials and the young men of Boys Hope Girls Hope – not to mention some great food and perhaps most importantly, a VIP tent with air conditioning.

The public is invited to view the build site at 3817 Fleetwood, Baltimore, MD until the new home is revealed on Friday, July 16. Skilled volunteers are always welcome, and right now, bricklayers are in demand.

Volunteer/Media/VIP parking is located at the Belvedere Shopping Center (Dollar General lot) off Hillen Road. Spectator parking is located at the upper lot of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, beginning Sunday.

For information please visit baltimoreextrememakeover.com.