John Rzeznik’s house is a beautifully restored 1905 Victorian home in Westfield, New Jersey, spanning over 4,000 square feet. The Goo Goo Dolls frontman and his wife Melina purchased the property in 2015 and completed an extensive renovation that preserved its historic character while adding modern upgrades.
From Buffalo Roots to Jersey Victorian Charm
John Joseph Theodore Rzeznik was born December 5, 1965, in Buffalo, New York, where he grew up in a working-class Polish-American family. His childhood home was located at 164 Clark Street in Erie County, where he lived with his parents and four sisters. Years later, the rock star would trade his Buffalo roots for a completely different setting.
In 2015, John and his wife Melina Gallo-Rzeznik, purchased a stately Victorian home in the historic district of Westfield, New Jersey, less than a mile from the town’s thriving downtown. Rzeznik moved from Los Angeles to Westfield to raise his daughter and said he “fell in love with the town in an afternoon.” The decision marked a significant lifestyle change for the musician who had spent years touring and living in major cities.
“This is the first place that I’ve lived since I left Buffalo to actually feel like it’s home,” Rzeznik told fellow Westfield resident Mitch Slater. “It’s got that feel, like, your neighbors actually talk to you, and hang out.”
The 1905 Victorian Estate Details
The home spans over 4,000 square feet and features a remarkable 150 linear foot porch that perfectly doubles as an outdoor stage. This architectural feature particularly appealed to the musician’s lifestyle. The grandiose wrap-around porch can hold approximately 100 people and serves as an excellent residential venue for parties or small concerts.
The spacious two-story home features manicured landscaping and a wrap-around porch supported by white columns. The property sits in a neighborhood where historic preservation meets modern family living. The exterior showcases classic Victorian architectural elements that transport visitors to the turn of the century.
The house presented both opportunities and challenges when the Rzezniks first purchased it. While it appeared to be in reasonably good shape, several critical systems needed attention.
The house was equipped with just one air compressor unit and a single heating zone, both requiring upgrades. Additionally, the windows were original to the home and lacked sound buffering capabilities, making new windows and a new roof top priorities.
A Masterful Renovation Journey
What started as a modest renovation quickly evolved into something more comprehensive. Maintaining the home’s turn-of-the-century style was a top priority for the Rzezniks. “We wanted some modern upgrades to the house as well, but everything had to look like it could have been here in 1905,” said John.
The couple enlisted contractor Anthony Cuoco of Anthony Louis Custom Home Builders LLC to handle the project. Throughout the renovation, John and Anthony developed a close working relationship that turned into a friendship. While John was on tour and living in Los Angeles with Melina, Anthony and his team began extensively updating the house.
The renovation included significant structural improvements. Anthony and his team added new James Hardie siding, a new roof with DaVinci slate shingles, and turn-of-the-century snow guards.
These updates improved the home’s durability and energy efficiency while maintaining its Victorian aesthetic. The team spent weeks rebuilding the entire exterior porch structure to ensure it could safely accommodate large gatherings.
Modern Kitchen Meets Historic Design
Anthony and his team performed a full gut renovation of the kitchen, though the layout essentially remained the same. This decision reflected the desire to maintain the historical feel and architecture typical of homes built in the early 1900s, which generally have more defined spaces and are less open-concept.
Despite keeping the original layout, the kitchen now features contemporary amenities. New plain and fancy shaker style wood cabinetry was installed, along with a lavish double-thick marble island.
Top-of-the-line appliances adorn the kitchen, and new modern LED energy-efficient lighting topped off the remodel. The result is a space that feels both timeless and functional for modern living.
The kitchen renovation exemplifies the balance struck throughout the entire project: respecting the home’s heritage while incorporating the conveniences expected in a luxury residence. The careful selection of materials and fixtures ensures that even a trained eye would struggle to distinguish original elements from thoughtfully chosen modern additions.
Living in the Westfield Community
Rzeznik resides in Westfield, New Jersey, with his wife and daughter. Rzeznik’s daughter Liliana was born in December 2016, and the family shares their home with a chocolate lab named Roscoe. The musician has embraced his role as a Westfield resident and actively participates in community initiatives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the John Rzeznik house gained attention when the rock star used his iconic porch for good causes. In March 2020, Rzeznik gave a live concert from his porch to send a positive message during the coronavirus spread and to raise awareness for a new fund to help independent Westfield businesses.
He performed a 15-minute Facebook Live porch performance to raise money for Westfield’s We Love Local campaign, supporting independent businesses such as restaurants, bars, salons, and gyms.
Rzeznik has also been instrumental in helping to turn the local movie theater into a performing arts center, noting “It’s nice to be part of a community.” His involvement in local causes demonstrates how the house has become more than just a residence. It serves as a hub for both family life and community engagement.
A Rock Star’s Sanctuary
The home represents more than architectural beauty for the Goo Goo Dolls frontman. It symbolizes a significant life transformation. Rzeznik is a recovering alcoholic who reported being sober for nearly four years as of a 2018 interview.
Though she didn’t tell her husband until after he got sober, Melina was ready to leave him due to his alcoholism. After rehab worked and he stayed clean for a year, they decided to have a family and move to New Jersey, where Melina’s mother now lives with them.
“For me, it was never an endgame of ‘I wanna be famous,’ it just kinda happened,” Rzeznik explained. “What other people think of me or if they know who I am, it can’t matter, because then I won’t feel good when I’m not important, so I have to be consistent.” This perspective shapes how he uses his home, treating it as a private refuge rather than a showpiece.
The library provides a perfect space for reflection. The house comes with a comfortable library ideal for reading, reflecting, and listening to music. For a songwriter whose work requires both inspiration and introspection, having dedicated quiet spaces proves invaluable.
The Perfect Stage for Music and Family
John and Melina’s love for music and classic architecture aligned perfectly with the 1905 Victorian home, as the 150 linear foot porch perfectly doubles as an outdoor stage. This unique feature allows Rzeznik to practice, perform intimate shows, and share his passion with neighbors and friends without leaving home.
The living room comes equipped with a functioning gas fireplace designed to fit the historical style of the house. These thoughtful details create warmth and authenticity throughout the residence. Every room tells a story, blending the home’s century-old history with the contemporary life of a modern family.
The property’s value reflects both its historic significance and extensive renovations. The mansion is worth $1.119 million. This valuation considers the property’s location in Westfield’s desirable historic district, its size, and the quality of renovations completed under Anthony Cuoco’s direction.
Finding Home After Buffalo
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Rzeznik grew up in a working-class Polish-American family heavily influenced by music from a young age. His journey from those humble beginnings to his Victorian estate represents decades of musical success with the Goo Goo Dolls.
Rzeznik formed the Goo Goo Dolls in 1985 with bassist Robby Takac, and the band achieved success in the 1990s. The band’s breakthrough came with the 1998 album Dizzy Up the Girl, whose biggest hit “Iris” topped the charts after its inclusion on the soundtrack for the 1998 film City of Angels.
Despite his international success, Rzeznik maintains strong ties to his Buffalo roots while building new traditions in Westfield. “I’m paraphrasing someone else,” said Rzeznik, “but kids turn you into the person that you should have been the whole time.” His daughter Liliana has become the center of his world, and the Victorian house provides the perfect setting for her childhood.
The wrap-around porch where Rzeznik once performed for charity now serves as a play space for his daughter. The library where he reflects on songwriting doubles as a place to read bedtime stories. The kitchen with its double-thick marble island hosts family dinners rather than catered events. Every space in the house has been reimagined through the lens of fatherhood.
Historic Preservation Meets Modern Living
The renovation of the John Rzeznik house serves as a case study in thoughtful historic preservation. The project demonstrates how century-old homes can be updated for contemporary living without sacrificing their architectural integrity. The challenge was modernizing the efficiency and durability of an older home while maintaining its original character.
Energy efficiency improvements went beyond aesthetics. The installation of modern HVAC systems, new windows, and updated insulation dramatically improved the home’s environmental footprint. These upgrades allow the Rzeznik family to enjoy comfortable living year-round while respecting the building’s historic significance.
The attention to period-appropriate details extends throughout the property. From the snow guards on the roof to the shaker-style cabinetry in the kitchen, every choice honors the home’s 1905 origins. This commitment to authenticity required extensive research and collaboration between the homeowners and their contractor.
Westfield’s historic district regulations likely influenced many renovation decisions. These guidelines help preserve the neighborhood’s character while allowing property owners to make necessary improvements. The Rzeznik renovation exemplifies how homeowners can work within these frameworks to create spaces that serve modern needs.
A Testament to Second Chances
The house represents more than real estate success for John Rzeznik. It embodies his personal transformation and commitment to family life. Rzeznik emphasized the importance of addressing addiction: “If you need help, get it, go and get it, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It is treatable, but it can kill you if you don’t get the help you need.”
His sobriety journey directly enabled the life he now leads in Westfield. The stability of his home environment supports his recovery while providing a foundation for raising his daughter. The house’s library offers space for meditation and reflection, tools that many in recovery find essential.
When discussing his daughter, Rzeznik’s voice becomes tender. “It’s always about the second syllable,” he said, describing how Liliana says “Dad-DEEE!” His wife Melina notes “He’s a pushover! She knows how to get what she wants. John is very sensitive, emotional, loving, caring, unbelievably supportive.”
The Victorian home witnessed Rzeznik’s evolution from touring rock star to devoted father. Its rooms have absorbed countless family moments, from first steps on hardwood floors to birthday celebrations on that famous porch. The house has become inseparable from his identity as a family man.
Community Integration and Local Impact
Since moving to Westfield, the Rzezniks have become integral community members. Their Victorian home sits within walking distance of downtown, allowing easy participation in local life. Rzeznik mentioned having lunch at Vicki’s Diner and walking down Broad Street during his first visit, immediately falling in love with the area.
His community involvement extends beyond one-time charity concerts. Rzeznik’s support for local businesses during challenging times helped rally community spirit. His willingness to use his platform for Westfield’s benefit demonstrates genuine investment in his adopted hometown.
The renovation of his historic home also contributes to the community. By carefully restoring rather than demolishing or dramatically altering the Victorian structure, the Rzezniks helped preserve Westfield’s architectural heritage. Their project likely inspired other homeowners to undertake similar historically sensitive renovations.
The presence of a celebrity resident could have disrupted neighborhood dynamics, but Rzeznik’s approach emphasizes normalcy. He participates in community events, supports local causes, and maintains the kind of neighborly relationships he valued from his Buffalo upbringing. The house serves as a bridge between his public persona and private life.
Ready to explore how historic homes can blend classic architecture with modern comfort? Whether you’re considering purchasing a Victorian estate or renovating an older property, the John Rzeznik house demonstrates what’s possible when you prioritize both preservation and functionality.
Consider consulting with contractors experienced in historic renovation to bring your vision to life while honoring your home’s heritage.
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