c.1880 New York Strawberry Mansion Queen Anne Under $120K

This 7,807 sq. ft., 5-bed, 2.5-bath historic home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, awaits restoration to its former glory!! Its red brick facade, cross-gabled massing, and high gable roofs exude Victorian grandeur. Inside, 12-ft etched ceilings, classic wood moldings, 10-ft pocket doors, and original fireplaces evoke a bygone era, while a bracketed entrance porch and semi-octagonal front bay add architectural allure.  This fixer-upper offers endless potential for a gorgeous single family residence, multi-family, commercial, or AirBnB/ VRBO use in Elmiras vibrant historic district. Sold as-is, this is a rare chance to revive a piece of Elmiras heritage, where history and vision converge. Dont miss owning this storied mansion, ready to shine anew. NOTE: heating system is not operational due a few radiators having been removed. Property is being SOLD AS – IS. 

• 5bed
• 2.5bath
• 7,807sqft
• 0.33acre lot
• Circa 1880

More New York Properties

415 William St, Elmira, NY 14901  $119,900

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. 

Contact Realtor: Derek Greene

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Niche

Pros

1. Affordable Cost of Living

• Cost of living is ~22–25% below the U.S. average, with housing particularly cheap (median home around $76K–$96K; rent ~$727–$950/month)
  2. Lower Overall Expenses

• Daily expenses—food, utilities, transport, healthcare—are all cheaper than national averages .

3. Outdoor/Leisure & Cultural Amenities

• Over 20 parks, notably Eldridge Park with rides and trails

• Rich arts and historical sites like the Arnot Art Museum, Mark Twain Study, and Elmira College

4. Sense of Community

• Residents praise the hometown friendliness and safety in many neighborhoods.

5. Regional Connectivity

• Proximity to Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse; Chemung County Transit and Elmira/Corning Regional Airport offer options

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👎 Cons

1. Weak Job Market & Low Incomes

• Unemployment (~8.9%) and poverty rates (~25%) are higher than national averages; median income ~$36.5K—significantly below U.S. average

2. Elevated Crime Rates

• Crime is slightly below state averages but above national averages; violent and property crime rates are concerning (1 in 270 chance for violent crime) .

3. Struggling Downtown & Infrastructure

• Downtown is aging and in need of revitalization; local infrastructure has seen population decline impacts

4. Schools & Education Gaps

• High school graduation (~73%) and test scores (~30%) fall below state/national levels .

5. Limited Amenities

• While growing, some residents feel there’s a lack of vibrant nightlife and retail options .

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This is the iconic Strawberry Mansion, a Queen Anne gem built c.1920 by architect Thomas Gerity, a well-known regional architect of the day. It was once home to wholesale drug magnate William S. Gerity (1847-1912), Thomas Gerity’s brother,  and later an adult care facility. Gerity lived in the home with his wife Jeanette, and sons, George and Marsden, along his Jeanette’s mother, and a servant girl.

Obviously, the realtor’s 1920 build date is incorrect as the 1900 and 1910 US Census records have the family living in the home. Also, William was deceased well before 1920.

In 2019, the 7,807-sf fixer upper was purchased by Charlie Schmitt and Brenda Brown who stated they would restore the home to its Victorian era grandeur to use as a private residence and vacation rental. Instead, they did nothing, and let the home to be covered in ivy. The home sold in October 2023 for $48,500.

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