Wheeling, West Virginia, is a city built on stories — many of them hidden behind the brick walls, ornate woodwork, and aging porches of its historic homes. Old Homes, New Life is a six-part podcast series that invites listeners to explore the beauty and complexity of historic preservation, told through the voices of those restoring, funding, and living in some of the city’s most iconic properties.
Whether you’re a seasoned preservationist, a curious first-time homebuyer, or someone who just loves old houses, this series will take you inside the world of restoration — from financial incentives and architectural design to personal passion projects and community revitalization.
Hosted by Riley Carpenter, Director of Programming for Wheeling Heritage, a lifelong Wheeling resident, former educator, and lifelong learner. Riley brings a deep connection to the city and a genuine curiosity to every conversation.
“I loved learning through the interviews with all of these amazing guests,” Riley says. “It’s been a pleasure to hear their perspectives and stories about a place I love so much — Wheeling.”
Old Homes, New Life features interviews with homeowners, historians, preservation experts, architects, and more. Each voice adds a new layer to the story of what it means to preserve the past while shaping the future of a place like Wheeling.
From home-buying tips to tax credit breakdowns, emotional restoration journeys to expert insights, this podcast covers it all. Grab a cup of coffee (or a hammer) and tune in!
Release Schedule
A new episode will be released every Wednesday, starting May 7, 2025, and continuing for six weeks.
Episode 2: “So, You Want to Buy a Historic Home?”
In this episode of Old Homes, New Life, we’re talking with Brandi Hinebaugh, a realtor with RE/MAX Broadwater and a historic homeowner herself. A lifelong resident of Wheeling, Brandi is not only passionate about old homes, but also deeply committed to the community she calls home. She’s raising her family here and loves seeing the redevelopment, energy, and revitalization efforts that are breathing new life into the city.
Brandi shares her expert insights into what makes buying a historic home different—from inspections and financing to the emotional highs and lows of restoration. She also shares personal stories from her own experiences owning and restoring historic properties, along with the rewarding journeys she’s taken with clients to help them find their perfect home. Whether you’re just curious or ready to buy, this episode is full of helpful advice, real-life perspective, and a lot of heart. Brandi is always looking for ways to engage the community and give back—and her love for Wheeling’s history and future shines through in everything she does.
So tune in and hear from Brandi—her passion, experience, and local insight might just be the inspiration you need to start your own historic home journey.
Episode One: Why Wheeling? A City Full of History & Opportunity
In the premiere episode of Old Homes, New Life, we welcome Jeanne Finstein, a lifelong Wheeling resident and one of the city’s most respected historians and preservation advocates. Jeanne, who serves as president of Friends of Wheeling and has held multiple leadership roles with Wheeling Heritage, shares her deep knowledge of the city’s historic homes, neighborhoods, and the growing community of people committed to restoration. From architectural charm to the emotional pull of saving a piece of the past, Jeanne offers thoughtful insights on why Wheeling continues to attract preservation-minded residents. She reflects on the role of community support, the importance of maintaining our built heritage, and the hopeful future she sees for Wheeling’s historic districts.
As someone who has dedicated decades to celebrating and protecting Wheeling’s architectural legacy, Jeanne has played a pivotal role in creating a culture of appreciation for local history. In this episode, Jeanne helps us understand how preserving the past is essential to building a brighter future. Whether you’re thinking about restoring a home or simply love old buildings and the stories they tell, her passion sets the tone for a series that celebrates the power of place, purpose, and preservation.
Artwork Credit
Special shoutout to local artist, Mat Robinson for the awesome artwork for our podcast series! Mat, a Wheeling native, is a Lead Developer in Power Management. He also works as an illustrator and studio artist.
