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.
Podcast Episode 6: “The Final Stretch: Inside The Goins’ Home Restoration”
In the season finale of Old Homes, New Life, we sit down with Bryant Goins and his wife, Michelle, as they head closer to the finish line of completing their historic home restoration in Wheeling. Together, they offer a candid look at the process—not just the physical work of reviving an old house, but the emotional and relational journey behind it. From unexpected setbacks to rewarding progress, their story is one of perseverance, vision, and partnership.
The two of them talk openly about how having the right partner is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of taking on a major restoration. Their shared commitment helped them navigate tough decisions, moments of burnout, and the ongoing balancing act of DIY versus professional work. In the Restoration Round-Up, Bryant answers listener questions on handling contractor challenges, staying motivated, and lessons they wish they’d known from the start. This episode is a heartfelt, inspiring close to the season and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you invest in both your home and each other.
Episode 5: “Lessons in Preservation”
In Episode 5 of Old Homes, New Life, we sit down with Jon Smith of Smith Family of Workshops to explore the real-world lessons behind historic restoration. Based in Wheeling, West Virginia, Jon has earned a reputation for blending craftsmanship with care—reviving old homes not just to make them livable, but to help them tell their stories.
A third-generation tradesperson with deep roots in the region, Jon shares how he got his start, what drew him to preservation work, and why he believes hands-on skill is just one part of doing the job right. From favorite projects to frustrating setbacks, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work on structures that have weathered more than a century of use—and neglect.
He also reflects on the state of preservation in Wheeling today: the challenges of finding skilled labor, the importance of homeowner education, and the growing tension between convenience and authenticity. In the listener-favorite Restoration Roundup, Jon answers questions on hiring craftspeople, prioritizing projects, and when it’s okay to replace historic materials with modern ones.
With thoughtful perspective and grounded expertise, Jon reminds us that preservation isn’t just about saving buildings—it’s about valuing where we come from, and investing in where we’re headed.
Episode 4: “From Vision to Value: Commercial Incentives for Historic Properties”
Heather Slack is a Preservation Finance Specialist with deep expertise in commercial historic tax credits. Her journey into the world of preservation finance began with a personal project — restoring a historic building of her own and navigating the tax credit process firsthand. What started as a steep learning curve quickly evolved into a professional calling. Heather has since become a trusted advisor in the field, helping developers and organizations unlock funding for large-scale rehabilitation projects. With a strong track record that includes major efforts like the YWCA in Wheeling, she brings clarity and confidence to what can often be a complicated and technical process.
In Episode 3 of Old Homes, New Life, Heather shares her knowledge on how commercial tax credits work, what’s required to qualify, and the practical steps it takes to secure funding for preservation projects. Her focus is squarely on commercial properties — from small storefronts to major downtown anchors — and she walks listeners through everything from documentation requirements to common mistakes to avoid. Whether brokering multimillion-dollar deals or consulting with first-time developers, Heather remains passionate about helping people bring old buildings back to life by making preservation financially feasible.
Episode 3: “Designing History: Residential Tax Credits & Preservation”
In Episode 3 of Old Homes, New Life, we sit down with architect and historic preservation specialist Wendy Scatterday to explore how thoughtful design can honor the past while meeting the needs of the present. A lifelong Wheeling resident who spent time away for college and lived in other cities, Wendy ultimately returned home — and now says she can’t imagine living anywhere else. She brings decades of experience and deep community roots to every project she touches, from rural homesteads and Victorian mansions to newly constructed homes designed to feel like they’ve stood for generations. Through stories of projects like the Lost Valley Stock Farm, the Knecht Residence, and the beloved Bridge Tavern, Wendy illustrates how architecture can be both functional and deeply meaningful.
She also reflects on Wheeling’s revitalization over the past decade, offering insight into how far the city has come — and what’s still possible when preservation and progress go hand in hand. With warmth, wisdom, and a clear passion for her craft, Wendy invites listeners to see preservation not just as a technical process, but as a way to connect with history, community, and place.
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.
