A Rare Opportunity to Own a Piece of Rochester History
For buyers who appreciate historic architecture, distinctive character, and the charm of a unique living space, 947 East Avenue, Unit 4, in Rochester, New York, presents an exceptional opportunity.
Priced at $184,900, this two-story condominium is located inside the historic Bishops House, a remarkable residence built in 1903 that combines early twentieth-century craftsmanship with modern conveniences.
Situated along Rochester’s prestigious East Avenue, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo offers an appealing blend of historic elegance, private outdoor space, and practical amenities.
Whether you are searching for a distinctive personal residence, an artist’s studio, or a property with long-term rental potential, this home offers a character-filled alternative to conventional condominiums.
A Historic Home With an Interesting Past
The Bishops House carries a fascinating connection to Rochester’s architectural and industrial history. Designed by architect Leon Stern for Frank Ritter, the home was originally constructed in 1903. Ritter was known for holding the patent for the dental chair and founding the Ritter Dental Manufacturing Company.
The property was originally built for Ritter’s daughters, adding a personal story to the home’s architectural heritage. One particularly charming detail can be found in the grand foyer, where their likenesses are visible on the staircase.
More than a century later, the building retains the distinctive features that make historic properties so appealing. Its original woodwork, elegant proportions, and period details provide a sense of character that can be difficult to replicate in newer construction.
For anyone who values architectural history, this condominium offers the opportunity to live within a property that reflects an important chapter of Rochester’s past.
An Elegant Living Room Filled With Character
The first floor welcomes residents with a living room that immediately showcases the home’s historic appeal. Soaring ceilings create an open, spacious atmosphere, while tall windows allow natural light to enter from multiple directions.
A stately fireplace mantle serves as a striking focal point, complementing the beautiful herringbone hardwood floors. Original woodwork adds warmth and authenticity, giving the room an elegant appearance without sacrificing its comfortable residential feel.
The combination of high ceilings, traditional craftsmanship, and abundant natural light makes this space particularly appealing to buyers who appreciate classic interiors.
The living room could accommodate a comfortable seating arrangement, a reading corner, or a creative workspace. Its distinctive architectural features also offer plenty of inspiration for someone who enjoys interior design, art, or decorating historic spaces.
Rather than presenting a standard modern layout, the home preserves a sense of individuality that reflects its original era.
An Updated Kitchen With a Private Entrance
The eat-in kitchen offers a practical space for everyday cooking and dining. Brand-new appliances and new flooring provide contemporary updates while allowing the condominium to retain its traditional character.
The kitchen’s eat-in arrangement creates room for a small dining table, making it suitable for casual breakfasts, relaxed dinners, or morning coffee.
Another useful feature is the private entrance, which adds flexibility to the layout. Depending on how the owner uses the property, this entrance may be particularly convenient for bringing in groceries or accessing the home independently.
For a one-bedroom condominium, these practical details can make a meaningful difference in daily life.
A Private Upstairs Retreat
One of the most distinctive features of this property is its two-story design. A spiral staircase leads from the main living area to the upper floor, creating a memorable transition between the living space and the private bedroom area.
The large bedroom offers a comfortable retreat away from the main floor. Multiple closets provide useful storage, an important consideration in a historic condominium where architectural character takes priority over standardized layouts.
One of the closets also connects to a cozy private balcony overlooking the back of the home, adding another unusual feature to the property.
The upper floor can also be accessed directly through the staircase in the building’s grand foyer, providing an additional route between levels.
Together, these details create a layout that feels more like a compact historic residence than a conventional apartment-style condominium.
An Elegant Bathroom With Original Details
The bathroom continues the home’s historic character with original tile and fixtures, along with elegant arched detailing around the shower.
These period features contribute to the property’s distinctive appearance and help preserve its early twentieth-century atmosphere.
For buyers who appreciate older homes, original materials can be an important part of the appeal. Instead of replacing every historic element with contemporary finishes, this condominium retains details that connect the interior to the building’s past.
The bathroom’s design complements the rest of the home, maintaining a consistent sense of traditional craftsmanship throughout the upper level.
A Private Deck Overlooking East Avenue
Perhaps the most appealing feature of this condominium is its spacious private deck. According to the listing, this outdoor space is used exclusively by this unit, offering an unusual advantage for a property in a historic multi-unit building.
The deck overlooks East Avenue and the George Eastman Museum, providing a memorable setting for enjoying the surrounding neighborhood.
Imagine starting the morning with a cup of coffee outdoors or relaxing in the evening after a busy day. The space could also accommodate outdoor seating, potted plants, and a small table for casual dining.
Private outdoor space can be especially valuable for condominium buyers who want somewhere to unwind without maintaining a large yard.
The combination of historic surroundings and a dedicated outdoor retreat gives this property an additional layer of appeal.
Convenient Amenities and Parking
Beyond its architectural features, the condominium offers several practical benefits.
The property includes two dedicated parking spaces in an open parking lot, an appealing convenience for residents who own vehicles. The spaces are assigned, and the listing indicates that there is no garage.
Additional dedicated storage is available in a locked basement closet, providing room for belongings that do not need to be kept inside the living area.
Free laundry is also available, helping simplify everyday household routines. Heat is included in the homeowners association dues, which may make monthly budgeting more predictable, although buyers should confirm the current HOA fee and exactly what it covers.
These features combine the appeal of historic living with conveniences that matter to modern homeowners.
A Desirable East Avenue Location
The condominium is located at 947 East Avenue in Rochester’s 14607 ZIP code, an area associated with established architecture, cultural attractions, and a distinctive neighborhood atmosphere.
One of the property’s notable nearby landmarks is the George Eastman Museum, which adds cultural interest to the surrounding area. East Avenue itself is known for its historic residences and architectural character.
For someone who enjoys living near cultural destinations and appreciating the history of a city, this setting may be especially attractive.
The condominium could also appeal to a buyer seeking a creative environment. Its unusual layout, natural light, historic woodwork, and private deck provide an inspiring backdrop for artistic pursuits or a home-based creative workspace, subject to any applicable building rules.
An Opportunity for Homeowners and Investors
At $184,900, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom condominium offers a distinctive option for buyers seeking historic character in Rochester.
The listing states that long-term rentals are permitted, which may be attractive to investors considering a rental property. However, prospective buyers should verify the current rental regulations, association rules, financial obligations, and any applicable restrictions before making an investment decision.
Owner-occupants may find equal appeal in the property’s original details, two-story layout, dedicated parking, and private outdoor space.
As with any condominium purchase, buyers should review the association’s financial records, monthly dues, maintenance responsibilities, and building policies. A professional inspection and confirmation of the condition of the building’s major systems can also help establish a clearer picture of the property’s overall value.
A Historic Rochester Home With Individuality
947 East Avenue, Unit 4, stands out because it offers something beyond a typical condominium. Its origins date back to 1903, its architecture reflects a distinctive historical period, and its interior preserves details that give the home a unique identity.
From the soaring ceilings and herringbone hardwood floors to the spiral staircase, original bathroom features, and spacious private deck, the property combines historic charm with useful modern updates.
With an asking price of $184,900, one bedroom, one bathroom, two dedicated parking spaces, and long-term rental permission according to the listing, it may appeal to a variety of buyers looking for a distinctive place to call home.
FROM ZILLOW