John Fetterman House: Inside the U.S. Senator’s Converted Car Dealership in Braddock, PA

U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s home stands as one of Pennsylvania’s most unconventional political residences. Located in Braddock, this 1,000 square foot loft occupies the circa-1920s Superior Motors building—originally one of America’s first indoor car dealerships. The two-story structure reflects both Fetterman’s commitment to his adopted hometown and his approach to sustainable living through reclaimed materials and community integration.

From the 12-foot ceilings to the original concrete floors, every element tells a story of transformation. The building that once housed Chevrolet sales now serves as the family home of Pennsylvania’s senior senator, his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman, their three children, two rescue dogs, and one cat.

The Man Behind the House

John Fetterman currently serves as the senior U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, sworn into office on January 3, 2023. Born August 15, 1969, in West Reading, Pennsylvania, the 56-year-old politician previously served as Braddock’s mayor from 2006 to 2019 and as Pennsylvania’s 34th Lieutenant Governor from 2019 to 2023.

Fetterman’s connection to Braddock began in 2004 through AmeriCorps service. His decision to establish permanent residence in this former steel town—rather than Pennsylvania’s capital—demonstrates his commitment to economically challenged communities. Throughout his political career, from mayor to senator, Fetterman has maintained his Braddock address, choosing the community over more traditional political residences.

Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, Fetterman earned degrees from Albright College (BA), University of Connecticut (MBA), and Harvard University (MPP). His height influenced the home’s appeal—the 12-foot ceilings provide rare comfort for someone of his stature.

The Superior Motors Building: A Historic Landmark

The circa-1920s Superior Motors building represents Braddock’s industrial heritage. Gisele Barreto Fetterman notes the structure was among the country’s first indoor car dealerships—a significant architectural innovation for its era.

Located at 1211 Braddock Ave, directly across from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Steel Works, the red-brick building served multiple purposes throughout the decades. After its time as a Chevrolet dealership, it housed various businesses, including a carpet cleaning operation. By 2013, when the Fettermans first viewed the property, metal cladding obscured the original facade, and an abandoned Chevy sat on one of the floors, requiring crane removal.

The building now houses multiple entities beyond the Fetterman family residence. The ground floor includes restaurant space (formerly Superior Motors restaurant, now operating as Braddock Public House) and Barebones Productions’ Black Box Theater, a 75-seat performing arts venue.

Architectural Features and Renovation Details

The Fettermans previously lived in the back of an old furniture warehouse before discovering the Superior Motors building in 2013. They spent nine months renovating the space while living there during construction, transforming the deteriorated structure into a functional family home.

Structural Elements

The residence showcases original architectural elements mixed with thoughtful additions:

• 12-foot ceilings throughout the loft create an open, airy atmosphere
• Original concrete floors preserved from the dealership era
• Stamped concrete in select areas
• Scrap wood flooring in portions, chosen for its imperfect character
• Steel beams and original concrete ramps from the 1920s dealership
• Large mahogany windows provide natural light
• Soundproof windows block noise from Edgar Thomson Steel Works
• 1920s-replica lighting fixtures honoring the building’s era

Interior Design Philosophy

The home reflects Gisele’s love of vintage aesthetics and the couple’s commitment to sustainability. Most furnishings and materials came from salvage sources:

• Kitchen cabinets: Glass-fronted units from a chemistry lab at Slippery Rock University, purchased at Construction Junction in Point Breeze
• Sink: Commercial-style fixture from Construction Junction
• Mirror: Ornate full-length piece from a local home’s mantle
• Stove: Sourced from Construction Junction
• Furniture: Multiple sofas and tables from Tollgate Revival
• Memorabilia: eBay finds, including an original car purchase agreement from the dealership days

The family displays local artwork throughout, supporting Braddock artists and reinforcing community connections. A large wall near the kitchen features photographs of family and friends, creating an immediate sense of warmth.

Living Spaces and Family Life

The 1,000 square foot layout accommodates three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Despite the compact size, the open floor plan and high ceilings prevent any sense of confinement—particularly important for the 6-foot-8-inch senator, who admits to some claustrophobia.

The kitchen serves as the home’s hub, where the family gathers for meals and game nights. Concrete countertops and the distinctive chemistry lab cabinets create an industrial-meets-functional aesthetic. The space opens to the main living area, where children’s toys mix with comfortable seating.

Each bedroom reflects individual personalities. The children—Karl, Gracie, and August—have personalized their spaces with artwork and academic achievements. The master bedroom provides a retreat for John and Gisele within the otherwise communal layout.

John’s home office accommodates his senatorial work, though he maintains formal offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg, and Washington, D.C.

The family’s rescue dogs, Levi and Artie, along with their cat Potato, complete the household. The open layout proves ideal for spontaneous family activities, as John describes: “A spontaneous round of chasing or throwing the ball just breaks out. It’s like true pandemonium during birthday parties where there’s a herd of children moving like a flock of birds.”

Community Integration and Social Impact

The Fetterman home functions as more than a private residence—it serves as a community hub. The family’s nonprofit, Braddock Redux, operates initiatives from the building, including the Free Store 15104, which provides clothing and necessities without cost or questions three days weekly.

Gisele founded two prominent organizations: 412 Food Rescue, which distributes food nearing expiration to those in need, and For Good PGH. The family participates in food rescue operations 4-5 times weekly, collecting items that would otherwise be discarded.

The rooftop features greenhouses originally intended to grow produce for the Superior Motors restaurant. While the restaurant’s status has changed over the years—opening in 2017 with significant fanfare, struggling, and eventually closing in 2020—the space continues serving Braddock through new ventures like Braddock Public House.

The Superior Motors building showcases the Fettermans’ philosophy: invest in Braddock’s existing structures and support local enterprises. They donated restaurant and theater space to support community economic growth, demonstrating commitment beyond rhetoric.

The View and Neighborhood Context

From the loft’s large windows, the family maintains a clear view of Edgar Thomson Steel Works, the massive mill that defined Braddock’s identity for over a century. This vista provides a daily connection to the town’s industrial heritage and ongoing manufacturing presence.

Braddock’s history as a steel powerhouse left both infrastructure and challenges. The population declined significantly from its peak, leaving many buildings vacant or underutilized. The Superior Motors building exemplified this trend before the Fettermans’ intervention.

The neighborhood around Braddock Ave has seen a gradual change. New businesses like Brew Gentlemen (BG Brewing) and the recently opened Braddock Public House join existing community institutions. The area’s transformation progresses slowly but steadily, with the Fettermans’ presence providing both symbolic and practical support.

Sustainable Living and Environmental Commitment

The home’s design prioritizes sustainability through material reuse and energy consciousness. Rather than purchasing new fixtures and finishes, the family sourced salvaged items, reducing waste while creating unique character.

The concrete floors require minimal maintenance and no replacement. Reclaimed wood adds warmth without demanding new timber harvesting. The original steel structure needed no reproduction, only preservation.

John’s political work continues these themes. As senator, he advocates for clean energy job creation and environmental protection measures, including legislation related to the Ohio River Basin and other Pennsylvania environmental concerns.

The soundproof windows serve dual purposes: blocking industrial noise while improving energy efficiency. The original concrete walls provide natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling demands.

Political Life from a Braddock Base

Unlike many politicians who relocate to state capitals or Washington suburbs, Fetterman maintains his Braddock address throughout his career. When elected Lieutenant Governor, he and Gisele declined to occupy the State House, the official residence in Harrisburg, choosing instead to commute from Braddock.

This decision carries practical complications—traveling between Braddock and Harrisburg, then later to Washington, D.C., requires significant time and planning. Yet the family prioritizes maintaining their community roots over convenience.

The home’s front entrance displays family photographs and personal touches, establishing an approachable atmosphere distinct from typical political residences. Neighbors and constituents recognize the building, and while the family maintains privacy, the home’s exterior visibility on Braddock Ave makes it a known landmark.

Future Outlook

As Fetterman’s Senate term continues through January 2029, the Braddock residence remains central to his identity. Recent political positions—including immigration, fiscal responsibility, and foreign policy stances—sometimes generate controversy, but the home represents consistency in his commitment to Pennsylvania’s working-class communities.

The Superior Motors building’s multiple functions—family residence, nonprofit operations, commercial restaurant space, and theater venue—illustrate the vision that attracted the Fettermans in 2013. While individual tenants and programs evolve, the structure’s role in Braddock’s revitalization continues.

Gisele’s work with 412 Food Rescue and For Good PGH expands, while John’s Senate committees include Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. These positions align with the family’s demonstrated commitment to food security, infrastructure, and community safety.

The home’s estimated value of approximately $151,000 reflects Braddock’s real estate market rather than luxury pricing. This valuation underscores the family’s choice: prioritize community presence over property investment.

Visiting and Public Access

The Fetterman residence remains a private home. The family does not offer tours or public access to their living spaces. However, the building’s exterior on Braddock Ave is visible to passersby, and the ground-floor restaurant and theater operate as public venues.

Those interested in Braddock’s revitalization can visit the town, dine at Braddock Public House, attend Barebones Productions performances, or explore other community initiatives. The Fettermans have consistently welcomed public engagement in Braddock’s future while maintaining appropriate boundaries around their family privacy.

Conclusion

John Fetterman’s house in Braddock tells a story beyond architecture. The 1,000 square foot loft in the circa-1920s Superior Motors building represents deliberate choices about community, sustainability, and political authenticity.

From the concrete floors salvaged from dealership days to the chemistry lab cabinets from Slippery Rock University, every element connects to Pennsylvania’s history and resources. The 12-foot ceilings accommodate a 6-foot-8-inch senator, while the open layout serves a family of five plus pets.

The building’s transformation from abandoned dealership to thriving multi-use structure mirrors Braddock’s ongoing revitalization. The Superior Motors building houses not just Pennsylvania’s senior senator but also community programs, local businesses, and performing arts—all contributing to the town’s evolution.

As John Fetterman serves in Washington, representing Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate, his Braddock address remains constant. The house stands as both personal sanctuary and public statement: that forgotten communities deserve investment, that historic structures merit preservation, and that political leaders can maintain authentic connections to the people they serve.