The John Fetterman House is more than a house; it’s an emblem of transformation, resilience, and creativity. Inspired by a story of renewal and a spirit of creativity, this generous home in Braddock, Pennsylvania, is a picture of industrial charm meeting modern function. Once a deserted car dealership, John Fetterman, former mayor of Braddock and current United States senator, has transformed this space into a magnificent home.
Join us as we explore the rich history, distinctive architecture, and cultural importance of the John Fetterman House, which symbolizes hope and progress for its community.
Every home has a story, but few homes have a story as compelling as that of the John Fetterman House. What do you envision when you think of a derelict car dealership—abandoned, forgotten by time and circumstance? That’s precisely what John Fetterman and his wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, did in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | John Fetterman |
| Birthdate | August 15, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Reading, Pennsylvania |
| Height | 6-foot 8-inch (2.03 meters) |
| Residence | Braddock, Pennsylvania |
| Home Description | A converted loft in a former Chevy dealership building, featuring industrial elements like exposed ductwork and original brick walls. Decor includes salvaged materials and vintage items. |
| Family | Married to Gisele Barreto Fetterman; they have three children together |
| Career | U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania (2023-present), former Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (2019-2023), and former Mayor of Braddock (2005-2019) |
The History of John Fetterman’s House
Origins of the Property
The John Fetterman House goes back to the late 1800s. The building was originally constructed in 1889 to be an indoor car dealership, a booming business at the time, during Braddock’s industrial heyday. But as the town’s economic troubles deepened, the property deteriorated and sat empty for years.
When John Fetterman settled in Braddock in 2001, he saw promise where others saw decay. He bought the crumbling edifice with a dream to preserve its past and give it a new purpose. Most people would have torn it down; Fetterman restored it.
Fetterman’s Vision for Revival
The choice forested by John Fetterman — to restore, not to raze — stemmed from his profound connection to the history of Braddock and his vision for the town’s revival. As mayor of Braddock, Fetterman fought to save the town’s industrial past even as he helped move it toward a better future. The house served as a suitably personal project to enliven his mission.
The Renovation Journey
The renovation of the house was no simple task. It was nine months in the making and came with plenty of challenges. Fetterman and his team needed to balance keeping the building’s industrial charm—see: original brick walls, concrete floors—and making it a livable, modern space. The result: a seamless merging of history and invention.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA 15104 | |
| 2001 | |
| 1889 | |
| 1,000+ sqft | |
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| Not specified for the original purchase, but the house is valued at $151,000 | |
| Originally in bad condition; renovated by Fetterman and his wife over nine months | |
| Steel beams, mahogany windows, grand chandeliers, high ceilings, minimalist decor, concrete floors, reclaimed materials | |
| Freight-car containers on the roof for storage and yoga area |
John Fetterman House Architectural Style
The John Fetterman House is an industrial design marvel with a modern twist. Every aspect of the house embodies Fetterman’s unique approach to architecture and sustainability.
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Exterior Design
The house has a striking industrial appearance from the exterior. It was kept authentic with reclaimed materials. They also have large soundproof windows, blocking outside noise from the neighboring Edgar Thomson Steel Works while letting light into the unit.
Interior Layout
The house has an open floor plan with a minimalist but warm aesthetic. The ceilings, soaring to an impressive height of 12 feet, were purposely built to fit Fetterman’s height of 6’8”. The venue is open and purposeful, with every design decision made for a reason.
Key Materials Used
The renovation incorporated many salvaged materials, such as original concrete flooring and scrap wood for some areas. Vintage-style lighting fixtures evoking the 1920s bring nostalgia to an otherwise contemporary setting.
| Feature | Description |
| Windows | Large, soundproof, industrial-style windows |
| Ceilings | 12-foot ceilings for an open, airy feel |
| Flooring | Original concrete flooring |
| Lighting | Vintage fixtures replicating the 1920s aesthetic |
Interior Design and Decor
Living Spaces
The house’s living room is generous and welcoming, with an eclectic mix of comfortable furniture and personal details. Family photos and mementos line the walls, giving the home a sense of warmth and individuality.
Kitchen Design
The kitchen is practical yet stylish. It has concrete countertops and glass-fronted cabinets and feels sleek, if approachable. Perhaps the most memorable detail is the “Welcome to Braddock” sign above the kitchen area, reminding visitors of the home’s bond to the community.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The house has three bedrooms, all designed for relaxation. Earth-toned decor and minimal furnishings lend to a serene atmosphere. The bathrooms, by contrast, mix modern comforts with vintage allure, with fixtures that pay homage to the building’s industrial heritage.
The Importance of John Fetterman’s House
An Icon of Neighborhood Revitalization
The John Fetterman House is not just a place to live—it is a beacon of hope for Braddock. Fetterman’s decision to restore instead of destroy reflects the transformative role that preservation can play and its ability to rejuvenate a troubled community. The house, in turn, has become a landmark and model for other residents of Braddock.
A History of Design for Preservation
Fetterman’s use of salvaged materials and commitment to preserving the building’s industrial character reflect a deep respect for the story. Modern updates, meanwhile, make the house functional and comfortable, demonstrating that old and new can exist together beautifully.
Gisele Barreto Fetterman’s Role in the Renovation
Collaborative Efforts
Gisele Barreto Fetterman was heavily involved in the design process. The home’s vintage decor elements and family-focused spaces reflect her input. As a pair, the Fettermans built an aesthetic that is at once stylish and utilitarian.
Creating a Family Home
Gisele worked hard to ensure that the house was more than just a dream home: she needed it to be a living space for their family. It is a true family home, with a sense of coziness and homeyness pervading every nook and cranny.
Five Things That Make It Special
The John Fetterman House has quirky features that make it stand out, from repurposed furniture to outdoor spaces.
- Personal Touches: Family photographs, reclaimed furniture, and things from historical sites like Tollgate Revival give the home a deeply personal feel.
- Exterior Areas: The backyard is used for gardening and barbecues, making indoor and outdoor living interactive.
What Interior Designers Love About John Fetterman’s House
John Fetterman House “The juxtaposition of industrial elements with cozy, minimalist decor is masterful,” Melissa M. inspected. It’s a case study of what happens when you embrace imperfections — scrap wood flooring, for example — and allow them to lend character to a space.
Visiting Braddock: A Community Reborn
Braddock’s story of revival is inextricably bound to the John Fetterman House. Visitors can discover other reclaimed spaces, including the Edgar Thomson Steel Works. The town’s transformation at the hands of Fetterman makes it an interesting destination.
Conclusion
The John Fetterman House is not just a house but also a testament to resilience, creativity, and community spirit. It embodies the hope of rejuvenation and encourages those who aspire to revitalize their own spaces or areas.
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