Eastern Colorado community earns a facelift

FORT MORGAN, Colo. -- The city of Fort Morgan is getting some major assistance, and the project was recently highlighted on Home Town Takeover.

Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV's "Home Town," and Dave and Jenny Marrs of the show  Fixer to Fabulous" are spending time in the eastern Colorado community of about 11,000.

HGTV's Home Town Takeover will feature 10 guests who have been featured on HGTV and the Food Network to complete 18 projects in the eastern Colorado community.

Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce Director Andrew Stieb said the program started with a kickoff barbecue in July 2022 to encourage the program producers to consider Fort Morgan.

Fort Morgan was accepted and work began.  

"They were very keen on making sure the community was involved," Stieb said.

He said the program producers worked to ensure the program is not "Hollywood taking over."

During the course of six episodes, the four renovators will work with 10 surprise guests that have been featured on HGTV and the Food Network to complete 18 projects within homes, businesses and public spaces.

"They didn't come into a community that is dead," Stieb said.

He said since the start of the Home Town Takeover show in Fort Morgan, there have been businesses moving into Fort Morgan, others relocating to downtown, as well as an increase in tourism. 

"We're really excited about what's coming down the chain," Stieb said.