Boomtown Builder

Boomtown Builder is a unique renovation show produced by DIY Network in 2018. The show's main focus is on restoring and reviving homes in small, historically rich towns, often referred to as 'Boomtowns', in Arizona. The homes featured in the show are not just any ordinary homes, but ones that have rich historical roots dating back to the 1800s and 1900s, which have been somewhat forgotten over the years. This show seeks to breathe new life into these homes while maintaining their historical integrity and architectural charm.

The show is hosted by Tim McClellan, a charismatic and multi-talented designer, builder and restorer. Tim, a native of Jerome, Arizona, respects history deeply and puts his heart and soul in every restoration project. He uses his creativity and passion for history to save and restore these pieces of American heritage, ensuring each home is both functional and beautifully unique in the modern world.

Each episode of Boomtown Builder starts by introducing a specific historic home from places like Cottonwood or Jerome which were once 'Boomtowns' during the mining era. Then, through a series of examinations and research, Tim educates the viewers about the house's historical context and its original features. Tim explains what makes each home special--may it be the centuries-old canopy bed, the old-school parlor or the antique library--exciting the viewers about the potential of these homes.

Tim McClellan works closely with homeowners who have the vision to see beyond the wear and tear, and he brings to the front their love for the home's history and architecture. Despite the complex project executions and challenging restorations, Tim and his team show an extraordinary commitment to their craft and determination to bring back these homes to their original beauty. Along the way, Tim's personal touche and stories convey a sense of respect and admiration for these structures and their former grandeur.

However, the show is not just about restoration. Instead, Tim uses his inventiveness to make these homes comfortable and suitable for today's living standards without affecting their core historical features. The adeptness with which Tim balances modern living's comfort with the house's historical charm and authenticity is truly noteworthy. He also insists on using original materials as much as possible, late 19th-century details, antique furniture pieces, and period-appropriate colors while infusing modern appliances and technology in a covert, seamless manner.

Boomtown Builder also makes viewers appreciate the kind of detailed work that goes into the restoration of historic homes, making it much more than a simple repair or renovation. Tim shows how to preserve artifacts found during the renovation, how he repurposes original items, and even bends metal to the shape he wants by hand.

One notable aspect of the Boomtown Builder is the educational insight it presents into architectural history. Tim brings in relevant historical anecdotes, background facts, and detail related to the house's period, be it Victorian, Edwardian or Georgian, educating viewers about how architecture has evolved over the years. He also shows how these once thriving 'Boomtowns' have changed over time, painting a vivid picture of the past through these historical homes.

In addition to the wonderful historical and renovation knowledge shared, viewers can appreciate the landscapes, the spectacular scenes of Arizona, and the charm of these small towns presented in the show.

Boomtown Builder is exactly what you might expect from a show on DIY Network - practical, educational, creative, and inspirational. Engaging and relatable, it invites viewers to value the historical aspects of their homes and their cities. It is not just a home restoration show but an invitation to preserve and appreciate the subtle threads of history interwoven in our everyday living spaces. It differentiated itself by focusing on the rich history of boomtowns, doing more than just restoring homes, but also bringing to life the stories of the past, making it a must-watch television series for all renovators, historians, and anyone with a love for architecture and history.