Troy Norton

Troy Norton, host of Building Character, has been fascinated with restoration, renovation and converting spaces throughout his life.

A Wisconsin native, Norton developed his appreciation for restoration at his family's antique refinishing business called the Heritage Shop. Shortly after college he returned to his hometown and purchased an abandoned car dealership that he and his family renovated into an indoor sports center featuring batting cages, games and a 1950's style diner. The back of the building, once a car garage, was converted into a space for the city youth center.

"It was a lot of construction and a lot of work", Norton says, but turning an empty building into a community resource was also very satisfying.

Norton moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s to pursue a career in television. Besides hosting jobs he's also made appearances on programs including Friends and Will & Grace.

He enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Norton can also be found admiring older buildings in the city and musing, "just think what someone could do with that!"