New Deal. New City. Fresh Start. The Fuel Haus.

Before the Fuel Haus

This post and future ones can be viewed on the Fuel Haus blog/news.

Jeff Yarrington’s past have been with automotive body and refinishing for 25 years.  Then on the his own, hot rod and restoration shop for five years--which included some very special builds including a full redo of a Lamborghini Miura, multiple re-bodies on classic American muscle,  an MGA, and a Porsche 956. After the paint and body, the chemicals had gotten the best of his lungs and he was forced to find a new career for the first time.

Jeff moved on to motorcycles and building things. He has always enjoyed making odd things and used to run bikes when he was younger. It was when his oldest son got the motorcycle bug that he fell back in love with two wheels. He created Saint Motor Company and for a few years built twelve or thirteen builds. He started with mostly Triumphs and BSA as he like bobbers and the simplicity and style. As time passed, he started to make some furniture and oddball metal gizmos.
He tried a couple stints at various shops, had some good experiences, and made some good friends. However, he worked best alone and decided it was time to venture off.

A place called TFH

So the idea of the Fuel Haus came from an unexpected friendship and partnership, Atticus Anonymous. She has similar interests and has a creative and design background.  With the encouragement, Jeff originally looked for spaces in Baltimore and later Philadelphia for the new home or haus. Being the first time leaving Maryland, Jeff had decided that Philadelphia would be where he will look for his new “haus.”

Haus hunting

So the hunt for spaces here began. They wanted a large open space because it was always a romantic idea to live and work in an older warehouse space to be creative in and have open space. It turned into a challenge and was frustrating at times. The spaces that seemed ideal, were in some of the areas that still needed development. A lot of the buildings in the Kensington, Fish town, and Northern Liberties areas were being purchased and developed by capital groups. They were capitalizing in the areas’ economic and social growth; converting warehouses to studios. Some of the experiences they had were dealing with investor groups and lawyers instead of a landlord, which was not ideal for TFH operation.

Found the Haus

By chance, they had found a family that owns several properties with similar ideals as theirs. Thus, TFH planted its seed in Manayunk.

Building up to its Haus warming

There have been a good number of supporters both with friends and family and the moto and artist communities. The two at TFH value everyone's support and hope to support like minded individuals and shops as well. With the first built done, TFH’s start will depend on the success of Deadvolt being sold. They have hopes of staying small and wants to build a private shop that they will open to the public once a month.
But first thing’s first. Someone buy Deadvolt—mostly because it is a bitchin’ moto—and with fair warning, this shouldn't be someone's first bike.

  

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