Located at 542 A St, Jackson, MI 49201, the locally known Withington Mansion presents a rare opportunity to own a substantial piece of Jackson’s architectural history at a dramatically reduced price of $160,000.
Originally built in 1887, this impressive Victorian property offers approximately 4,603 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and an extraordinary amount of room for restoration, customization, and future value.
The property has recently undergone a major price reduction of nearly $100,000, making it an especially interesting opportunity for an experienced investor, restoration enthusiast, or buyer searching for a historic home with significant potential.
While the mansion still requires substantial work, several of the costly preliminary steps have already been completed, giving a future owner a strong starting point.
A Grand Victorian Landmark
The Withington Mansion immediately stands out for its historic character and scale. Built during the Victorian era, the property reflects the architectural ambition and craftsmanship associated with large homes of the late 19th century.
Inside, the grand foyer provides an impressive introduction to the home. The main level includes formal living and dining rooms, offering the kind of spacious entertaining areas that are difficult to find in modern construction.
With its large footprint and historic identity, the mansion provides an opportunity to preserve original character while introducing modern systems, finishes, and conveniences.
The home includes four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, with one bedroom located on the main level. The existing layout gives a future owner considerable flexibility when determining how to approach the restoration.
More Than 4,600 Square Feet of Possibilities
One of the property’s biggest advantages is its sheer amount of space. With approximately 4,603 square feet, the mansion provides room for a wide range of restoration concepts.
The main floors can be transformed into elegant living and entertaining spaces while maintaining the property’s historic character. Meanwhile, the expansive third-floor attic offers another major opportunity.
The unfinished area is ready for a future buildout and could potentially become additional living space, an office, studio, recreation area, guest quarters, or another custom-designed space, depending on the buyer’s plans and local requirements.
For someone with experience managing major renovation projects, the scale of the property creates numerous possibilities.
Important Work Has Already Been Completed
Although this is a restoration project, the seller has already completed several important pieces of preliminary work.
A brand-new house roof has been installed, addressing one of the most significant exterior components of a historic property. Extensive demolition and cleanout work has also been completed, helping prepare the interior for the next phase of renovation.
The property also comes with newly purchased windows that are ready for installation. For a future owner, having these materials already purchased can help move the restoration forward while allowing the buyer and their contractor to determine the best installation approach.
The detached garage has also received substantial improvements. It features a new roof, new doors, fresh paint, and a rear wrought-iron fence, giving the property’s exterior another significant head start.
These improvements mean that a buyer is not beginning entirely from scratch. Instead, the next phase can focus on reconstruction, systems, finishes, and bringing the historic home back to life.
Detached Five-Car Garage
Parking is another standout feature. The property offers five total parking spaces, with a large detached garage featuring space for up to five vehicles.
For a historic property of this size, substantial off-street parking can be particularly valuable. The garage could provide secure vehicle storage, workspace for restoration projects, or additional utility depending on the buyer’s needs and local regulations.
Its recent improvements—including the new roof, doors, paint, and wrought-iron fencing—also add to the property’s overall functionality and curb appeal.
A Project for Someone With Vision
The Withington Mansion is not being presented as a turn-key home. Instead, it represents a substantial restoration opportunity designed for someone who understands the demands of a large historic property.
The scale of the project means that careful planning, budgeting, skilled contractors, and attention to historic details will be important. For the right buyer, however, that challenge is also part of the appeal.
Historic properties can offer architectural details, proportions, and character that are extremely difficult to reproduce in a newly constructed home. The formal rooms, grand entryway, large attic, and overall Victorian identity give this property a distinctive foundation.
The seller also notes that a detailed list of completed work and the remaining scope of work is available upon request, allowing interested buyers to better understand what has already been accomplished and what remains to be completed.
A Rare Chance to Create Something Special
The Jackson market has examples of historic properties that have been carefully restored and transformed into impressive residences. The Withington Mansion offers the opportunity to undertake a similar project on a larger scale.
At $160,000, the property’s current asking price reflects its condition and the work still required, but it also creates an unusually accessible entry point for a property of this size and historic significance.
A buyer could choose to preserve the mansion as a traditional single-family residence, develop an ambitious personal restoration, or explore other possibilities subject to zoning, permits, historic requirements, and local regulations.
The third-floor attic alone provides an exciting blank canvas, while the formal living and dining rooms create a natural framework for restoring the home’s original grandeur.
A Piece of Jackson History
Beyond its size and potential, what makes 542 A St particularly interesting is its identity as the locally known Withington Mansion. A property that has stood since 1887 carries more than a century of local history.
Restoring such a home is about more than replacing finishes or updating rooms. It is an opportunity to preserve a recognizable piece of the community’s architectural heritage while adapting it for modern use.
For a buyer who appreciates historic architecture and is prepared for a serious renovation, the mansion could become a remarkable long-term project.
The Opportunity at a Glance
The property offers:
Asking price: $160,000
Year built: 1887
Approximate size: 4,603 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 full bathrooms
Main-level bedroom: 1
Parking spaces: 5
Garage: Detached, five spaces
New house roof
Extensive demolition and cleanout completed
New windows purchased and ready for installation
Detached garage with new roof and doors
Freshly painted garage
Rear wrought-iron fence
Expansive third-floor attic ready for buildout
A Victorian Restoration Waiting for Its Next Chapter
The Withington Mansion at 542 A St in Jackson, Michigan, offers a combination rarely found at this price: historic significance, more than 4,600 square feet of space, a substantial detached garage, and a long list of possibilities for renovation.
With major preliminary work already completed, the property is positioned for its next stage of transformation. The remaining work will require investment and expertise, but the potential reward is the chance to restore a remarkable 19th-century Victorian landmark and create a one-of-a-kind home.
FROM ZILLOW