As a former police officer, Mike Seefeld often saw people at their worst.

Now, he’s seeing them at their best at his family’s new business, the Union Barn in Upper Burrell.

“I wanted to do something totally different from what I’ve been doing,” he said.

Seefield and his wife, Susie, own the nearly 175-year-old barn that operates as an event and wedding venue. The charming attraction sits at 3501 Seventh St. Road, across from Woodpeckers Pub & Grub and Penn State New Kensington.

The Dutch-Amish barn dates to 1849, Seefeld said. His family worked on revamping the barn in 2020, and it opened for its first event in July.

Since opening day, about 15 events have been held at the venue, Seefeld said. Almost every weekend in 2024 is booked — Union Barn is a year-round facility.

“Everybody, almost to a T, loves the building inside. They love the location and the view over the hill. It’s actually turned out better than I thought it would,” Seefeld said.

The barn’s interior keeps to its history while featuring some modern, rustic touches, such as black metal barn doors and original exposed wood beams. Two lofts, one of which is Seefeld’s office, overlook the 5,000-square-foot main hall.

The interior holds about 150 people.

“It’s an old barn but modern facilities,” Seefeld said.

Outside, the venue has patios and a landscaped area with a backdrop of the Alle-Kiski Valley’s rolling hills.

Seefeld noted that, while located in the country, Union Barn is easy to get to from Pittsburgh, New Kensington and Route 28.

“This little corner of Upper Burrell is starting to have something happening,” he said.

Union Barn is an event- only venue, and customers can hire caterers and bartenders from a preferred vendors list provided by the barn. People can rent the facility for the duration of Friday through Sunday, something Seefeld said is unique.

“Everything we did here was for the wedding couple,” Seefeld said.

The name, Union Barn, was selected for two reasons: the first being because people visit the site for a “union.” Legend also has it that the barn was along a trail for Union soldiers.

Seefeld attributed the site’s success to his family and friends.

“What’s most rewarding is what we built works well,” he said. “It’s just very comforting to hear people comment.”

His wife, Susie, agreed.

“It’s exciting to hear everybody happy after they say their ‘I do’s,’ ” she said.

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