Vegas Residence Imitating Famously Known Simpsons' Home
In the summer of 1997, a remarkable event unfolded in the suburbs of Las Vegas, Nevada, as FOX-TV, in partnership with Pepsi and KB Home, built a replica of the iconic Simpsons' house as part of a national sweepstakes. The house, a faithful recreation of the animated home from "The Simpsons" TV show, was designed to promote a new housing development called Springfield South Valley Ranch.
The house, located at 742 Evergreen Terrace, was a precise homage to the animated home, with no two adjacent walls painted the same colour, an orange sofa, Duff beer cans, corn cob-patterned curtains, and a painstakingly re-created living room, kitchen, and all four bedrooms. Even Mouse holes were painted along the baseboards, and Bart's treehouse was installed in the backyard.
However, the giveaway did not go as planned. The winner of the property, a 63-year-old retired factory worker from rural Richmond, Ky. named Barbara Howard, declined the offer and instead opted for the cash prize of $75K. This decision left Pepsi and FOX without a contest winner for promotions.
Barbara Howard's decision was unexpected, as the house could have been sold for its original value. Despite this setback, the house remained in Henderson, Nevada, albeit losing much of its original iconic paint and appearance over time. It still exists in an ordinary suburb of Las Vegas, although it has been stripped of paint and blurred out of Google's Street View map, making it less recognizable.
Despite the changes, diehard fans still drive by the house, taking photos and sending fan mail to Homer Simpson at Danielle's address, the current owner who purchased the house in 2001. Danielle, who experienced fans driving by and sending fan mail even after the house was de-Simpsonized, has become a part of the Simpsons' house's enduring legacy.
In September 1997, FOX aired an episode flashing the winning number for the Simpsons' house sweepstakes, adding to the house's fame. Even the Simpsons creator, Matt Groening, signed a likeness of Homer Simpson on the walkway concrete, making it a truly unique piece of television history.
The Simpsons' house replica may have lost its cartoon-like exterior and visual impact, but its enduring legacy continues to draw fans from around the world, making it a must-see attraction for any Simpsons enthusiast visiting Las Vegas.
The Simpsons' house replica, initially built in 1997 as a promotion for a new housing development called Springfield South Valley Ranch, was a precise recreation of the animated home from "The Simpsons" TV show. Located at 742 Evergreen Terrace, the house was faithfully detailed, showcasing unique features like no two adjacent walls painted the same color. Unfortunately, the winner of the property, Barbara Howard, declined the offer and instead opted for the cash prize, leaving Pepsi and FOX without a contest winner.
After Howard's decision, the house remained in Henderson, Nevada, but over time, it lost much of its original iconic paint and appearance. Despite its altered form, diehard fans still drive by the house, taking photos and sending fan mail to Homer Simpson at the current owner's address, Danielle. In September 1997, FOX aired an episode flashing the winning number for the Simpsons' house sweepstakes, adding to the house's fame. Even the Simpsons creator, Matt Groening, signed a likeness of Homer Simpson on the walkway concrete, making it a truly unique piece of television history.
Today, the Simpsons' house replica serves as a must-see attraction for any Simpsons enthusiast visiting Las Vegas, despite its de-Simpsonized appearance and lack of visual impact. The house endures as a testament to the lasting appeal of "The Simpsons" and offers fans a glimpse into the animated world beyond their screens.
