This vacant mansion has sat neglected and forlorn for several years now, but it was once part of high society in Syracuse, New York, circles. The Colonial Revival house is covered in dead vines, and windows are either broken or boarded. It was originally the home, however, of William H. Kelley (1867-1943) who lived and entertained here with his wife Nellie Dwyer Kelley and their children Robert and Helen.
William was the son of Irish immigrants, his father, John, a retired farmer. William was a go-getter. As well as serving as Democratic state committeeman for decades, he established a grocery store in 1887, and with his brothers founded Kelley Brothers Coal Company in 1894. By 1949 Kelley Bros. Coal was the largest anthracite distributor in Central New York.
William died in this home in 1943, but his brothers went on to realize that heating homes with coal was on the way out. It was then that they bought out Brown Hardware. The business continues to this day as Kelley Bros Hardware. It is a major operation with stellar headquarters (see below).
The neighborhood in which the house is located is still viable, even though the surrounding neighborhoods are high crime. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, though, if Kelley Bros. would lay out the $100K to restore this family home?
109 McAllister Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205 $9,900 Reduced to $5,000
REALTOR COMMENTS ~ Save This Old House
Potential for 3 unit home (variance will be required), currently has 6 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 2 staircases. Buyer will need to provide detailed itemized work specs, expect over $100k renovation. Beautiful details remain, trim, doors, bathroom tile work, built in cabinetry etc. Property needs work and being sold as-is without warranty or representations. Property Purchase Application, Contract to Purchase are available on our website. Completed offers should be submitted no later than the first Tuesday of each month for consideration at the Board of Directors Meeting, normally scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month. Please confirm dates and times. Renovation costs can exceed 100K. Proof of funds needed for combined purchase and renovation costs. For more information please call Greater Syracuse Land Bank.
