Braddock, Pennsylvania

Braddock, Pennsylvania is a deflated old steel town which became known for a recent and unusual redevelopment effort. From a peak population of 18,000 after World War II, there are now just over 2,000 residents. In 2005, a new young mayor, John Fetterman, was elected and promoted the town’s dystopic qualities as an asset. His highly publicized ideas for the town include urban farming, and free loft space to artists. A few post-urban homesteaders have moved to town, including artists from Brooklyn, New York. Community gardens and bread ovens are cropping up, next to the looming Edgar Thompson steel works, still operating at a large scale.