FBI Investigates 3D-Housing Project in Struggling Illinois Town as Questions Mount Over Failed Deal

A 3D-printed housing project in Cairo, IL—an economically distressed town of fewer than 2,000 residents—once drew hopes of revitalization.

But the effort has since stalled, leaving an unfinished structure, financial disputes, and a reported FBI investigation into the company behind the failed project.

The company, Prestige Project Management Inc., was founded in 2021 by Jamie Hayes and Erik Burtis, according to a detailed investigation by ProPublica. The company later pursued a plan to use a 3D construction printer to build affordable housing in southern Illinois.

More than a year after the project to build 30 duplexes launched to local fanfare, the first duplex remains unfinished, the industrial 3D printing machine sits disassembled, and the financing plan for the project remains unresolved.

Deals and promises

Originally, the development project brought a spark of economic hope to Cairo, a severely economically depressed city with a dwindling population.

Once a bustling and prosperous town at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, Cairo underwent a long decline as railroads bypassed the town and barges replaced steamboats.

Burtis described the 3D-printed housing project as something God laid on his heart, including a pledge to donate the first home.

In August 2024, Prestige finalized an agreement with Cairo to build 30 duplexes, ProPublica reported.

The city agreed to sell a vacant lot for $1 in exchange for one completed duplex, with plans for 29 additional units over three years.

The contract reportedly did not include detailed financing plans, and city officials later said they were not given clear information about how the broader development would be funded. There is no record, according to ProPublica, that the company applied for housing program funding.

City Council member Connie Williams told ProPublica that city leaders had cautioned Prestige’s owners against making promises they could not keep.

“We kept saying to them, ‘Look, we’ve had enough people come through Cairo talking all this crazy stuff and then back out,’” she said. “And they were just like, ‘No, no, oh no, that’s not us. We are here. God sent us.’”

Construction and setbacks

In August 2024, Prestige assembled a 3D printer on a vacant lot in Cairo and quickly raised the structure’s walls, with interior work beginning soon after, according to ProPublica.

However, construction reportedly stalled before completion. Cracks later appeared in the structure, and the printer was eventually removed from the site.

A year later, the duplex remained unfinished and unoccupied.

Hayes told ProPublica the concrete “ink” used in the printer was defective, leaving the machine idle.

Burtis said he hired an engineering firm to approve a remediation plan using hydraulic cement to repair cracks. Crews have since returned to the site, though Burtis said delays have continued due to issues with incorrectly sized cabinets.

He said the finished duplex would ultimately be turned over to the city.

Financing and printer disputes

Before the Cairo project, Prestige allegedly lost a $590,000 deposit after canceling an earlier 3D printer order, according to ProPublica.

In October 2023, Grand Rivers Community Bank approved a $1.1 million loan for a new printer, requiring participation from another bank. Half the funds were sent as a deposit to Peri 3D Construction, which reportedly was expected to deliver the printer in at least six months.

By early 2024, Prestige sought to cancel the order amid concerns about delays and explored alternative suppliers, ProPublica reported. Peri 3D declined to return the deposit. Prestige later used remaining loan funds to purchase a different printer, which was delivered months later.

The company sued Peri 3D in 2025 and won a default judgment after the company did not respond, though recovery of funds remains uncertain. Prestige continues to repay the original loan—about $13,000 per month—despite never receiving the first printer.

Investigation and fallout

The FBI has opened an investigation into Prestige’s business dealings, according to ProPublica. No charges have been filed, and the company denies wrongdoing.

Investigators have issued a federal grand jury subpoena for financial records and have reportedly sought additional documents from local governments tied to unrelated contracts.

ProPublica reported that Illinois State Sen. Dale Fowler promoted Prestige’s project to state housing officials and a state commission. The company later became his largest direct campaign donor, contributing $22,000 from 2022 to 2024. Fowler told ProPublica he was unaware of the federal investigation and denied knowledge of any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, a former Prestige employee told ProPublica he became an FBI whistleblower, alleging the company misrepresented its plans—claims the company disputes. Prestige staffers told ProPublica they have cooperated with investigators and deny any misconduct.

Realtor.com® reached out to the FBI, Prestige Project Management Inc., and Fowler but did not hear back.

Meanwhile, Cairo Mayor Thomas Simpson told ProPublica he still hopes another developer will eventually follow through on building housing in the city.