Heather Abraham’s House is The Talk (of) Pittsburgh

The television host and her husband, Frank Trabucco, began their family in this remodeled, three-bedroom home on Mount Washington.

March 17, 2024

Meg St-Esprit,

PHOTOS BY ROSEANNE R. MARTIN, PENNSYLVANIA REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

When Heather Abraham, the popular host of KDKA-TV’s “Talk Pittsburgh” and co-host of “Pittsburgh Today Live,” first stepped into 239 Olympia St. on Mount Washington, she had a feeling it would play a significant role in her life.

“I remember walking into this home and getting goosebumps,” she says. “It was like I knew it was ours. There was something about it that reminded me of my grandparents’ house — that ‘homey’ feeling of warmth.”

Abraham and her husband, Frank Trabucco, purchased the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in 2012 — and later brought all three of their babies home to it.

“I bring our three kids to Olympia Park every night in the warmer months,” says Trabucco. “We’ve been bringing them to the playground since they could each walk.”

Built in 1935, the home was listed for $419,000 on March 6; it went under contract the first weekend it was on the market.

“There’s so much that I love,” says Realtor Heather Kaczorowski of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “The main floor feels spacious and open, but yet warm and welcoming. It instantly makes you want to stay.”

The finished basement is rare for a home of this age, something Kaczorowski calls “a huge bonus.”

Abraham and Trabucco have completed numerous renovations since 2012, including a kitchen remodel by BKG Design featured by Pittsburgh Magazine in 2018. By opening up the dark galley kitchen to the dining room, the couple created a space that flowed better for their family. Light cabinets juxtaposed against deep blue walls make the space feel bright and cozy all at once.

“This home was so well-done and loved by the current owners that there is truly nothing for the new owner to do,” adds Kaczorowski. “All they need is the keys.”

The second floor contains three bedrooms and a full bathroom, while the finished basement includes another full bathroom, family room, workshop and laundry area.

In addition to the kitchen remodel, the couple also carved out a spacious walk-in closet and dressing room connected to the primary suite, as well as a backyard oasis that offers privacy. The home also has off-street parking — a must in a bustling neighborhood.

Updates to the mechanics of the house mean the next owners do not have to worry about major upgrades anytime soon. The home features fresh paint, a newer roof and updated flooring throughout; that’s in addition to the significant remodeling work the couple completed during their years in the home.

The neighborhood is a great one — and one of the things the couple will miss the most.

“One of the first things we did before we moved in was sit at the bar and have lunch at the Bigham Tavern,” recalls Abraham. “We thought it was so cool that we could walk there. We soon learned how special the neighborhood is.”

Steps off of Grandview Avenue, every evening walk overlooking Downtown features one of the best skyline views in the country. Community events such Oktoberfest, block parties and a winter Light Up Night celebration make this Olympia Street home extra special. The family also enjoyed entertaining often in the backyard.

“It was our first home together and a place of comfort. But most of all, I think we’ll miss the amazing neighbors and neighborhood,” says Abraham.

With their children growing, the couple has decided to move to a home with a bit more space — but this house will always hold a special place in their hearts.

“We have grown into adulthood and as a family in this house,” says Abraham. “We have measured our kids’ heights on the inside of the hallway closet door. Not sure if we can take it with us, but it shows the years of love in this home for sure.”

Meg St-Esprit is a Bellevue-based freelance journalist who covers real estate, lifestyle, education, parenting and travel for a variety of local outlets including Pittsburgh Magazine, PublicSource, Kidsburgh, Pittsburgh City Paper, and City Cast Pittsburgh. Meg offers Hot Property, an inside look into unique and historic homes on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh-area home.

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About: Mount Washington
Population: 8,592
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Few places in Pittsburgh are as centrally located as Mount Washington. A quick trip down the hill provides access to all of the city’s major arteries, and both inclines run directly from Grandview Avenue to parts of Station Square (the Duquesne Incline descends farther up the Mon River toward the Point at 1197 W. Carson St.). Several bus routes through the region and a walkable business district with a grocery store mean residents of Mount Washington do not necessarily need a car.
Schools: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: Mount Washington has a vibrant, walkable business district with both sit-down and quick service restaurants. Many young professionals call the neighborhood home due to the easy commute and vibrant nightlife, but there are also many families with children in the community. It is ranked as one of the top 10 Pittsburgh neighborhoods to buy a home in, with a strong camaraderie among residents and plentiful green space for recreation.