By Selina Pedi-Smith
The Pellere Foundation is thrilled to announce the beginning of our first blight remediation project at 403 W 2nd St, a once-stunning Victorian home in the heart of Oil City. This property, generously donated by Sadie McLaughlin and her brother Ian McLaughlin, represents both a challenge and an opportunity—a chance to breathe new life into a blighted structure with great bones.
(photo by Selina Pedi-Smith)
When the McLaughlin siblings approached us earlier this year, they knew the house needed a significant amount of work. After thoughtful discussions and careful assessment of the property, we finalized the donation just before Thanksgiving.
“My brother and I are very happy and proud to donate our childhood home to a good cause that will help our hometown long term,” Sadie shared. “There are people who still live in the neighborhood that were there 20+ years ago while we were being raised. It means a lot to us that the property will be well taken care of because our former neighbors deserve a lovely neighborhood to call home.”
Blight remediation is a cornerstone of Pellere’s mission to stop decline and rebuild vibrant communities. This project, like all of our efforts, is about more than fixing up a building. It’s about restoring pride in a neighborhood, showing what’s possible when we commit to meaningful action, and creating a ripple effect of hope and investment.
Sadie expressed her personal connection to the project, saying, “It is important to me that the home that saw so much love and growth in our early years will be revitalized and used to house beautiful memories and connections once again. I am grateful to Pellere for taking on the challenges that my brother and I simply cannot. We can’t wait to see everything great that will stem from the donation of the property.”
At the helm of this transformation is Isaias Gomez, Pellere’s volunteer construction manager, who will lead the cleanup and remediation efforts. With years of experience and a passion for revitalization, Isaias has already started clearing out the mountain of accumulated debris, with structural assessments and repairs set to follow.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this project,” Isaias said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to restore something special while helping revitalize the community. It’s a big task, but we’re up for it!”
(photo by Isaias Gomez)
The plan is ambitious:
- Cleanup and Structural Assessments: Carpets and damaged ceilings are being removed, and a thorough assessment of the roof and garage—both of which have sustained significant damage—is underway.
- Full Renovation: From siding and windows to wiring and plumbing, every system will be evaluated and addressed. Our goal is to ensure the house meets modern standards while preserving its historical charm.
- Landscaping: The outdoor spaces will be reimagined to serve as a welcoming and family-friendly environment.
We’re aiming to make 403 W 2nd St livable by early 2025 and fully remediated by year’s end. Of course, if you’ve ever tried to renovate anything, you know there are wildcards—budget surprises, weather delays, and the occasional “how did that even happen?” moment. But we’re committed to rolling with whatever comes our way and seeing this project through with creativity and determination.
This is just the beginning for Pellere’s blight remediation efforts, and we look forward to collaborating with local municipalities and property owners to breathe new life into even more neglected spaces. Together, we can preserve the charm of our neighborhoods, restore pride, and create opportunities for families to thrive. For more information on our mission and projects, visit pellere.org—we’re excited to share this journey with the community!
