A Car Dealership Becomes an Industrial Home

I love it when I read about people who don't only say they care, but actually do something about it. It was the home of John and Gisele Fetterman that first caught my eye, but I am also wowed by what they have achieved in their community.

John Fetterman and his family live in Braddock, PA, USA. Its just outside Pittsburg and not too long ago was poor, violent and a bit of a ghost town. That wasn't always the story, back in its hay day this area was once a vibrant urban centre for the steel industry. When John arrived here in 2001 he set to work to bring community back. 

Their home just epitomises what this family are good at - seeing potential. Their vast house was once one of America's first indoor car dealerships built in the 1920s. From a boarded up wreck they have created a great family home for them and their three kids - I love how they have kept the car ramps! 

But it is what they have achieved in the community they love which is the most impressive, John now has the title of Mayor in an area transformed - community centres, artist residencies, a craft brewery, an urban farm and even a green-energy start up in this once steel focussed town! Gisele too has contributed to the community they love, born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in NY she wanted had a passion to limit waste and set up Braddock's Free Store housed in colourful shipping containers and the 412 Food Rescue which takes food still good to eat and give it to those that need it. 

What great passion and determination! You need it if you take on a challenging restoration project like their home. I love it! 
  
Originally found at Design Sponge.