LeBron James Helps Nicole Curtis Score Big on Rehab Addict
Take a look at how Nicole Curtis and basketball superstar LeBron James teamed up to renovate an old home in Akron, Ohio.
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March 31, 2015
Tag Team
LeBron and Nicole put the finishing touches on a home renovation which they completed together for deserving family.
Meet Mariah
Nicole and LeBron, along with countless volunteers and the LeBron James Foundation staff, renovated the entire home in just nine days for Mariah Riley and her family. Mariah is a participant in the Wheels for Education Program under the LeBron James Family Foundation Promise Project. She earned a total home makeover for meeting all her goals and working hard in school.
Day One
Nicole, her son Ethan, and LeBron get ready to visit with Mariah's family. Nicole and LeBron spoke with the Riley family about their wishes in hopes of and turning their dreams into a reality.
The Winning Family
Nicole, Ethan, and LeBron met with the Riley family for the first time to discuss the Riley's nine-day home renovation. Mariah's mom, Melanie and her brothers Ezekiel (left) and Xavier (right) were thrilled to learn of the good news.
M.V.P.
LeBron looks like a natural helping Nicole paint Ezekiel's new room. Painting must a lot easier when you're 6' 8" tall.
No Need for a Step Stool
LeBron paints the ceiling in the bathroom of the new Riley house under Nicole's close supervision.
It Takes Two
Nicole and LeBron install a timeless chandelier in Mariah's new bedroom.
One, Two, Three
LeBron and Nicole use their muscles to pull out a dated kitchen sink.
Hold the Door
LeBron played a big role in the demolition and renovation of the Riley's new home. LeBron removes an old door from the entranceway.
A Quick Learner
After watching Nicole, LeBron was ready to put on some gloves and go to work. LeBron demoed this rotted bathroom.
Like Riding a Bike
Cleveland Cavaliers fans will probably be nervous just thinking of their franchise player driving an excavator. Do not worry Cavs fans, "The King" made it seem effortless with a few pointers from Nicole.
I Can Take Over from Here
In the Riley's front yard, LeBron demoed an old retaining wall and stairs.
Like Father, Like Son
LeBron's son LeBron, Jr. helps Nicole move scraps from the old retaining wall with the excavator.
Just Kick It
LeBron uses his legs to muscle the old porch railing off as Nicole and his sons look on.
Take a Break
Nicole Curtis sits down with NBA superstar LeBron James and his two children LeBron, Jr. and Bryce Maximus to catch their breath between jobs.
Power Digging
Nicole Curtis operates a power post hole-digger in the Riley's yard.
Saw Away
Nicole uses a table saw to cut down the hanger rod for the closet space in Melanie's room.
Hurry Up
Nicole Curtis quickly works to compact the base for the new driveway before pouring the concrete. Extra volunteers aided in speeding up the process as weather forecasts predicted heavy rain.
Give Me a Break
Nicole sits in the Riley's new bath tub while discussing the specs and size of the fixture.
Doing What She Does Best
No one works on a deadline better than Nicole. Nicole and a contractor measure the porch dimensions before adding new wood.
Sanding the Floor
Nicole removes carpet from the floor. What's her quick tip? Whenever you hire someone to fix something, work alongside them to learn their trade and expand your knowledge.
Family Fun
Nicole works with the Riley's as they begin renovating Ezekiel's bedroom.
Look Out
Nicole Curtis arrives at the house to help pour cement in the new driveway.
Driveway Paving
Nicole works side-by-side with her crew to help spread the cement.
An Extra Hand
The Riley family were on hand to help renovate the home. Ezekiel Riley works with the construction crew on the cement for the new driveway.
Leave Your Mark
Nicole helps Mariah leave a handprint on the new driveway to their home.
Family of Six
The Riley family each took turns leaving handprint in the driveway. Even their dog, Gizmo, got in on the action.
Making a Path
Nicole helps cut landscape bricks for the home's front walkway.
Looking Good
Nicole determines a plan for the new front walkway leading to the house.
Compacting the Brick
Nicole sweeps sand between the landscape bricks as the night approaches.
Getting Late
Nicole uses a blower to clean up the landscape bricks after they settle.
Pick a Plant
Nicole, her son Ethan, Mariah, and Xavier are at the garden center picking out plants to place around the Riley's yard.
She is a Handful
Mariah and the project volunteers helped in unloading the truck full of new plants and flowers.
Make Way for the King
LeBron James grabs a few plants to add on a little greenery outside.
Group Shovel
Nicole's father Rod Curtis, son Ethan, and LeBron's mother Gloria James help Nicole and LeBron plant a new tree in front of the soon-to-be-ready house.
Keep it Up
Nicole Curtis encourages volunteers in preparation for the hours of work ahead of them.
First Aid
Nicole's motherly instincts kicked in as she rushed to help a volunteer bandage up a wound. The volunteer accidentally cut her finger while working.
Puppy Power
Nicole introduces her puppy Lucy to Akron Police Officer Jones's bomb dog. The police were on location to guard the house during the renovation.
Puppy Love
Nicole shares a tender moment with Lucy.
Dog Fan
Nicole arrived on set with Lucy, who was met by a fan and his dog.
False Alarm
Nicole has some fun with Akron Police Department Detective Joseph Wayne and a fellow officer. The house had 24-hour police protection. Nicole was appreciative of the officers for their work and dedication to this project.
The Challenge
Nicole is always up for the challenge. She held her own in a push up competition with a project volunteer.
Super Fan
Matt Reibs, an avid historic preservationist, was one of Nicole's first ever Facebook fans. Matt came all the way from Indiana to help renovate the home. Nicole has taken Matt under her wing and helped mentor him along the project.
Friends with Pictures
Sarah Donovan, left, and Nicole Curtis select picture frames at a local Akron antique shop for the Riley home.
All Work, Some Play
Sarah races Nicole on a furniture dolly down the street.
Bunny Ears
Nicole's friend Sarah Donovan was a huge help during the project. They also have fun.
A Few Extra Hands
Volunteers from the LeBron James Foundation staff take a break to talk with Nicole Curtis about the renovation plans. The group coordinated and planned the entire renovation from start to finish.
Mom and Son
Nicole poses with her son Ethan for a photo during the "LeBron James Welcome Home" celebration.
Star-Studded Event
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, left, shakes hands with Nicole as the stadium fills up.
Welcome Home
Nicole prepares to enter the stage during the "LeBron James Welcome Home" celebration at InfoCision Stadium in Akron, Ohio.
Make Some Noise
Cleveland Cavaliers in-house announcer Ahmad Crump, shares the stage with Nicole.
The Whole Crew
Ethan and Nicole pose for a photo with Departure Films crew who videoed the entire nine-day renovation.
Big Speech
Mariah Riley gives her acceptance speech on stage.
I'm Coming Home
Singer-songwriter Skylar Grey performs her song "I'm Coming Home".
The Main Event
The James family enters the stadium as fans roar and cameras flash.
The King Leads
LeBron holds hands with his family as he leads them to the stage.
Good to be Home
LeBron James takes in the moment during the "Welcome Home" celebration.
I'm Back
The hometown hero excites thousands of Cleveland Cavaliers fans.
The Reveal
Nicole Curtis, LeBron and wife Savannah James are ready to present the Riley family with a new home as fans look on during the final reveal.
Take a Look
LeBron was eager to show off the hard work Nicole and countless volunteers had put in during nine straight days of hard work.
Win Win
LeBron James and Nicole Curtis are pleased with the finished product.
Get Comfortable
Melanie English enjoys her new bedroom as LeBron props her feet up.
In My Sleep
LeBron James and Nicole shoot a few hoops in Zeke’s new room during the reveal.
My Turn
LeBron makes the basket slightly bigger for Nicole.
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Nicole is presented with a gift from the LeBron James Family Foundation after the reveal. Nicole can always use a few extra pairs of sneakers.
He Shoots, He Scores
LeBron prepares to shoot as his son Bryce Maximus looks on.
Box Out
To celebrate the James, Curtis, and Riley families play basketball together on the brand new driveway turned basketball court.
Before
Before the renovation, the house looked worned and tired. The yard needed attention and the driveway hadn't been paved in decades.
After
The renovated exterior features new landscaping and hardscaping, and a front porch that is warm and welcoming. The newly paved driveway not only provides a place to park, but a place for the kids to shoot hoops and play.
Before: Uninviting
Before Nicole and LeBron arrived, the front porch was weathered and the railing was wobbly and unsafe.
After: A Welcoming Site
A fresh coat of paint on the door, steps and floor add charm to the porch. New railing and posts help support the space and keep it safe.
Backyard Before
This yard was not exactly the ideal place for kids to play.
After: All the Neighbor Kids Will Come
The new white picket fence, backyard seating area and basketball court make this the place where kids and adults can relax and have fun.
Table and Patio
A covered dining table on the new brick patio makes a perfect spot for family gatherings and entertaining guests.
Before: Living Room
This empty living room is a sad sight from the icky-looking carpet all the way up to the warped ceiling.
After: Puts the Living in Room
Today the renovated living room features new windows that allow more light into the room. New furniture, family photos and a bright and cheery colol palette put the "living" back in this room.
Before: Living Room
The corner of the living room was looking rough. Nicole had a bright vision for this underwhelming space and the finished product could not have turned out better.
After: Warm and Inviting
Now this room is filled with plush leather furniture, a new pattern rug, family portraits and contemporary lighting.
Before: Stairwell
The warped stairs look like a safety hazard as well as an eyesore.
After: Stairs
The stairs have been refinished and treated with newly painted railing and banister. The antique mirror, new window treatments and furnishings add tons of charm.
From:
Nicole Curtis
Before: Dining Room
The living room connects to the dining room through this space. Back when the home was built, this entryway was probably one of the home's best features.
After: Seamless and Flowing
A refreshed entry, new flooring and furniture make the entry seamless and inviting.
Before: Dining Room
The peeling wallpaper and dingy carpet made this dining room completely unappetizing.
After: Table and Curtains
The family will enjoy everyday dinners and holiday meals around this large table for years to come. New windows let the light flow and help curtail energy costs. An antique dresser provides serving space, storage and a lot of style.
Dining Room Credenza
Family portraits and photos taken during the renovation hang on the wall above the antique dresser in the dining room.
Before: Kitchen
Who would even want to put food in those cabinets?
After: Amazing
It's hard to believe this is the same space. The family is sure to cook up a lot of happy memories preparing meals together in their new kitchen.
From:
Nicole Curtis
Before: Bathroom
It's large; that's about the only positive thing you can say about this room.
After: Gorgeous
The new bathroom features new everything! Nicole and her crew did a great job of keeping the style of the bathroom in line with the period of the house.
Before: Mom's Bedroom
Melanie's attic bedroom looked more like a dungeon than a place to rest.
After: A Retreat for Mom
This attic is barely recognizable now. Refinished floors and all new furniture set in a serene color palette provide a relaxing place to chill out and snooze.
After: Attic Bedroom
White furniture and light woods uncomplicate the space and keep it bright and cheerful. On the practical side, a new reinforced handrail was added to the stairwell.
Before: Mariah's Room
The worn wallpaper, dingy carpet and mismatched window treatment do nothing to hightlight what could be a bright and sunny alcove.
After: Young Again
Mariah's new room is perfect for any young girl. Bright colors, new furniture, refinished floors and a pretty crystal chandelier make the room sparkle.
Before: Xavier's Room
The mattress had no frame, the ceiling fan and light did not work, and the wallpaper was barely on the wall.
After: Handsome
Xavier's new room has a classic look that he'll feel comfortable in for years to come.
Before: Zeke's Room
The waves in the carpet cause a dangerous trip hazard and the lime-green wall color left a sour taste.
After: Red, Blue, and Basketball
Now the space is sweet and cheerful.
Family Photo Wrap
The Riley family poses for a photo with Nicole Curtis and LeBron James during a tour of the finished house. It was the perfect shot to wrap up an eventful nine-day remodel.
