John Fetterman’s House: A Look Inside the Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor’s Residence
John Fetterman is a well-known American politician who has been serving as the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania since 2019. He is recognized for his progressive views and efforts to promote social justice. However, Fetterman is also known for his unique and distinctive house located in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
Fetterman’s house has been a topic of discussion among many people due to its unconventional design and features. The house is a spacious loft that was originally built in 1892 and was used as a car dealership before Fetterman and his wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, purchased it. The house has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other houses in the area – a 25-foot-high ceiling.
The Fettermans’ house has been featured in several articles and videos, giving people a glimpse into their unique living space. The house is filled with interesting and eclectic decor, including a large collection of vinyl records, and artwork from local artists. The house also has a large kitchen where Gisele Barreto Fetterman, a co-founder of 412 Food Rescue and For Good PGH, cooks meals for her family and hosts events for her nonprofit organizations.
John Fetterman’s Early Life and Career
John Fetterman was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Karl Fetterman and Susan Fetterman. He spent most of his childhood in York, Pennsylvania, where he attended York Suburban High School. After high school, Fetterman went on to study finance at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Fetterman’s early career was not in politics. Instead, he worked in the corporate world, starting out at an insurance firm. However, he soon realized that he wanted to make a difference in his community, so he joined AmeriCorps in 1995. As part of AmeriCorps, Fetterman taught Pittsburgh students who were pursuing their GEDs.
Later, Fetterman attended Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, where he earned a Master of Public Policy degree in 1999. After graduating, he returned to Pittsburgh and worked for several years as a social worker.
Fetterman’s first foray into politics came in 2005 when he ran for mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania. He won the election and went on to serve as mayor for 13 years. During his time as mayor, Fetterman worked to revitalize Braddock, a once-thriving steel town that had fallen on hard times. He helped to attract new businesses to the area and oversaw the construction of new housing developments.
In 2018, Fetterman announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania. He won the Democratic primary and went on to win the general election in November of that year. As lieutenant governor, Fetterman continued to focus on issues such as economic revitalization and criminal justice reform.
While Fetterman’s political career has been impressive, he is perhaps best known for his unique sense of style and his unconventional home in Braddock. Fetterman and his wife, Gisele Fetterman, live in a loft above a restaurant in a former car dealership. The space is filled with eclectic decor, including a giant metal chicken and a bicycle-powered washing machine.
A Historic House in a Historic Town
Fetterman’s house is located in Braddock, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh that was once a booming steel town. The house itself dates back to 1892, featuring traditional Victorian aesthetics on the exterior.
Inside, Fetterman has remodeled and updated portions of the home, creating an eclectic blend of historic charm and modern, industrial chic. From the intricate woodwork to the large stained glass windows, remnants of the house’s 19th century origins remain.
Not Open to the Public, But Still a Point of Interest
As a private residence, john fetterman’s house in Braddock is not open for public tours. However, there is still intrigue surrounding the Lieutenant Governor’s unique abode.
Fetterman does host community events at other venues, giving locals a chance to connect with him outside of his family home. While prospective visitors cannot tour the interior, the striking facade makes the home a landmark in the Braddock area.
Renovating and Repurposing a Piece of History
When Fetterman purchased the rundown home in 2001, it was in need of major repairs. The politician took on extensive renovation projects to restore and update the dwelling.
Some original components remain intact, like the elaborate stained glass windows and mahogany cabinetry. Fetterman added more modern elements like concrete countertops and an open, loft-style layout.
Parts of the home also showcase Fetterman’s commitment to repurposing and renewing community spaces. For instance, surfaces in the house feature wood reclaimed from a closed Braddock car dealership.
Blending Old and New, Public and Private
The layout of Fetterman’s house symbolizes the way he blends different aspects of his public and private life. The open first floor resembles some of the event venues where he hosts town halls and public meetings.
Upstairs are more private bedrooms and intimate family spaces. These areas represent John Fetterman’s commitment to community improvement alongside his family life with his wife Gisele and their three young children.
A Home That Reflects Fetterman’s Personality
From the repurposed local materials to the mix of gritty and grand, john Fetterman’s home design captures his unique personality. The politician’s tattooed, casual image contrasts with the ornate architecture of the historic house.
Inside, the home features Fetterman’s extensive sneaker collection alongside Pennsylvania antiques. The contradictions come together in a cohesive way, much like Fetterman’s campaign platforms have blended progressive ideals with his own blue-collar background.
The Significance of John Fetterman’s House
On a surface level, John Fetterman’s Braddock home is a striking example of Victorian architecture and unique interior design. But the house also holds symbolic meaning for Fetterman and the state of Pennsylvania.
The home represents the revitalization of a struggling steel town through commitment and reinvestment. By renovating instead of relocating, John Fetterman demonstrated his dedication to improving and repurposing his community.
The house also exemplifies attributes voters have come to admire in Fetterman – authenticity, service, and finding potential in unlikely places. This private residence ultimately communicates Fetterman’s public values.
The House Over Time: Fetterman’s Expanding Public Service
John Fetterman first moved into the Braddock home after serving as the town’s mayor starting in 2006. At the time, he was focused on local change in one Pennsylvania community.
In 2019, Fetterman took on the role of Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor. His public service now impacted communities statewide. However, his continued residence in Braddock remained a symbol of localized care and revitalization.
In 2023, Fetterman’s political efforts expanded nationally as he transitioned from Lieutenant Governor to Senator. Through it all, the 1890s house in Braddock stands as Fetterman’s statement on community loyalty.
The house’s history mirrors that of its longtime resident – expanding in influence over time while remaining committed to public service.
A Private Home that Drives Public Discussion
John Fetterman maintains a private residence, avoiding turning his home into a spectacle. However, it still generates public interest and drives discussion.
For some Pennsylvanians, the striking old home represents Fetterman’s progressive revival of a struggling town. Others see the mansion as contradictory for a politician who appeals to blue-collar workers.
These varying perceptions of the Lieutenant Governor’s house spark productive conversations about economic renewal, privilege, community values, and Pennsylvania’s political future.
Final Thoughts on John Fetterman’s Historic Home
John Fetterman’s private residence in Braddock, Pennsylvania remains off limits to tours but still provides some visual glimpses into the life of an intriguing politician.
The restored Victorian house symbolizes Fetterman’s values of community revitalization, vintage charm, and modern sensibilities. While just a building, the home offers perspective on a complicated public figure.
Pennsylvania locals and outsiders alike will continue viewing john fetterman’s house in Braddock as a representation of his political career and connection to the region. The residence stands as a historical artifact commemorating the house’s original Victorian builders and its newest inhabitants.
