Hailey
Prairie Cottage Homes: Affordable housing is taking a new turn in Americus, Kansas, as Prairie Cottage Homes, operated by Devin Holloway, gets ready to list its first three homes.
Partnering with Paul Pinick, the company hopes to bring modern, budget-friendly homes to smaller Kansas towns — starting with Americus and soon expanding to Emporia, Council Grove, and Burlington.
This project is not just about construction; it’s about reviving small-town living and giving families affordable homes that stand the test of time.
From New York to Kansas: A Surprising Journey
Prairie Cottage Homes: Devin Holloway never planned to build homes in Lyon County. Originally from New York City, Holloway spent his childhood summers on his grandparents’ farm in Miller, Kansas. Fate intervened when his car broke down near Emporia during a trip.
That’s when he met Paul Pinick, owner of Emporia RV Park, and together they came up with a plan — to bring modular and affordable homes to local Kansas communities.
“A couple of months before that trip, I thought I’d never spend time in Kansas again. Now look where I am,” Holloway joked.
Affordable Lots and a Smart Start in Americus
Prairie Cottage Homes chose Americus as the starting point because of its affordable land prices. The company purchased three lots — originally meant for a college 100 years ago — for just $6,000 each, far cheaper than lots in bigger cities.
Here’s a quick look at their first homes:
| Home Size | Bedrooms | Square Feet | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Model | 3 | 1,311 | Under $300,000 |
| Family Model A | 4 | 1,611 | Under $300,000 |
| Family Model B | 4 | 1,611 | Under $300,000 |
These homes, designed for durability and comfort, are set to be listed next week.
Building “The Machine” for Efficient Construction
Prairie Cottage Homes: Holloway and Pinick have created what they call “the machine” — a system to make homebuilding faster and smoother. This involves lining up trusted local contractors who handle each phase, from the foundation to the roof.
BFP Remodeling, owned by Pinick, is managing installations, while other skilled workers from Emporia and Wichita are handling plumbing, electrical, and framing work.
“Once you’ve got the right team working together, you can efficiently point that machine at another project and say, ‘let’s do this,’” Holloway explained.
This efficient method helps them cut costs and speed up construction while keeping quality high.
Reviving Neighborhoods and Empty Lots
The goal of Prairie Cottage Homes LLC is not just to build new homes but to rebuild communities. They plan to use infill development, turning unused or empty lots into family houses.
By doing this, they aim to:
- Increase neighborhood value and appearance.
- Save money on infrastructure, since utilities like water and sewer already exist.
- Build three homes at a time, targeting up to 12 homes a year.
“Usually, these areas don’t have special taxes, and since the utilities are already nearby, it helps keep costs down,” Pinick noted.
Future Expansion Plans
Once the Americus homes are sold, Holloway and Pinick plan to expand to Council Grove, Burlington, and eventually Emporia. Each step is a move toward creating a network of affordable, sustainable homes across Kansas.
Their vision reflects a growing trend — using local partnerships and smart building strategies to make homeownership realistic for working families.
Prairie Cottage Homes is proving that with determination, teamwork, and local support, small towns can enjoy modern, affordable housing without losing their charm.
Their story is about more than construction — it’s about community growth, revitalization, and a belief that big dreams can start small. With Americus as their foundation, Holloway and Pinick are building not just homes, but hope for a stronger, more connected Kansas.