The trend of using unconventional materials like buses, tiny houses, and shipping containers for building homes has become increasingly popular. These unique and affordable alternatives offer the same level of comfort and a range of customization options. But did you know that long before it became fashionable, one woman paved the way for this trend with an extraordinary adventure?
A Journey Born from Tragedy
Jo Ann Ussery’s journey began when her husband unexpectedly passed away, leaving her and her two children in need of a new place to live. Facing financial struggles, she initially considered buying a trailer. However, realizing that she couldn’t afford a home large enough for her family, a unique and unconventional idea was suggested by her in-law, Bob, who was an air traffic controller – living on a plane!
Intrigued by the concept, Jo Ann went to view a disassembled Boeing 727 and fell in love at first sight. The best part? The plane only cost $2,000, including shipping. Inspired by the fact that Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727, Jo Ann affectionately named her new acquisition “Little Trump”.
Transforming a Dream
With determination and creativity, Jo Ann began the significant task of transforming the plane into a unique and comfortable home. With a budget of less than $30,000 (equivalent to approximately $60,000 today), she embarked on a project that would require time, effort, and financial investment.
Ensuring the plane’s stability during the renovation was crucial, so Jo Ann strategically positioned it on her property with a picturesque lake view. With the foundations laid, she eagerly began dismantling the interior, which encompassed an impressive 1,500 square feet. The abundance of windows, 76 to be exact, allowed for ample natural light to flood the space.
To bring her vision to life, Jo Ann made important modifications to the plane’s design. She prioritized insulation improvements, installed new flooring throughout the aircraft, and ingeniously repurposed the bathroom and overhead bins as space-saving solutions. The result? A brilliantly designed living space that made the most of the available area.
A Unique Oasis of Comfort
Once the major renovations were complete, Jo Ann’s transformed Boeing 727 boasted three bedrooms, a cozy living room, a fully functional kitchen, and even a convenient laundry facility. But she didn’t stop there. Jo Ann ensured her revamped jet included unexpected luxuries like a phone and an oven. However, the crown jewel of her design was undoubtedly the cockpit’s transformation into a magnificent master bathroom.
Cleverly installed with a soaking tub, this bathroom offered stunning views outside. The layout of the room gave the sensation of floating on water, creating a truly unique and serene experience.
Jo Ann Ussery’s Legacy
What truly sets Jo Ann’s achievement apart is that she accomplished this extraordinary transformation single-handedly. From 1995 to 1999, she and her children lived aboard their converted plane, savoring the joys of their unique and unconventional abode.
The experience was so fulfilling that Jo Ann eventually decided to share her creation with the world, transforming it into a public museum. However, during the process of moving the airplane a short distance, a mishap occurred, causing it to slip off the carriage and disintegrate.
Although Jo Ann’s Boeing 727 may no longer soar through the skies, its legacy continues to captivate and inspire. Her incredible journey of turning an outdated airplane into an extraordinary home proves that with vision, creativity, and determination, one can create a living space that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Jo Ann Ussery’s story serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities that exist when we dare to think outside the box and transform our dreams into reality.
