WTAE’s Kelly Frey Hosting “Building for Bennett” Open House

When Pittsburgh news anchor Kelly Frey learned about a local family’s journey to create a more accessible home for their young son, Bennett, she wanted to help shine a spotlight on their story. The result was the “Building for Bennett” Open House, held during the Festival of Homes Tour—a celebration of compassion, community, and craftsmanship that brought together dozens of people to witness the power of thoughtful design.

A Family’s Story of Strength and Hope

When Bennett was born in 2009, doctors weren’t sure how long he would live. Yet, through his parents’ unwavering love, medical care, and his own determination, Bennett has continued to reach milestones once thought impossible. As he grew, so did his family’s need for a home that could safely support his mobility and care.

That’s when the family partnered with Accessible Dreams, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating barrier-free spaces for individuals with disabilities. Together with Prime 1 Builders, they set out to transform their Pittsburgh home into one that would meet Bennett’s needs today and for years to come.

“We’ve always done accessible projects and recognize that each family’s needs are different,” says Dan Meade, president of Prime 1 Builders. “For this project, we focused on making the home more functional—not just for their son, but for the entire family.”

Breaking Ground on a Special Project

Construction began in early 2015 on what quickly became one of the most meaningful projects in Prime 1 Builders’ history. The remodel included an addition with an elevator, accessible bathroom with a no-threshold shower and lift system, and widened doorways throughout the home. Thresholds were modified for wheelchair access, and a therapy room was added so Bennett could continue his progress comfortably at home.

Despite frigid temperatures and heavy snow that winter, the team pressed on. As with many older Pittsburgh homes, surprises emerged—a century-old holding tank and a brick cistern beneath the foundation—but these challenges were met with creativity and care.

By early spring, the new structure took shape. The team topped the addition with trusses, tied it into the original house, and enclosed the space so interior work could continue. From that point forward, each week brought new progress as the home became a model of what accessible design can achieve.

Throughout construction, Bennett’s mom, Kelly Luhn, documented the transformation in photos and video to educate others about adaptive home design. You can still view many of those updates on the Building for Bennett Facebook page.

Opening the Doors to the Community

By September 2015, construction was complete and the family’s dream home was ready to welcome visitors. To share the story with the community, WTAE’s Kelly Frey hosted the Building for Bennett Open House as part of the Festival of Homes Tour.

Guests were invited to tour the renovated home and see firsthand how accessible design can transform daily life. A handicap-accessible shuttle service—courtesy of Tri County Patriots for Independent Living—brought attendees from the nearby West End parking area to the site. Afterward, visitors were encouraged to enjoy the neighborhood’s restaurants, shops, and the beautiful view from the West End-Elliott Overlook.

“It was incredible to see the outpouring of community support,” says Dan Meade. “This project represents what can happen when compassion, design, and craftsmanship come together.”

Continuing the Mission

The Building for Bennett project remains one of Prime 1 Builders’ proudest achievements—a reminder that the right design can change a family’s everyday life. What began as one family’s need became a community movement that inspired others to think differently about accessibility.

Today, Prime 1 Builders continues to bring those same principles of function, comfort, and thoughtful design to every project—whether it’s an accessible remodel, aging-in-place renovation, or custom home.