Spacious Four-Bedroom Opportunity on W Onondaga St: A Double-Lot Property with Exceptional Potential

Located on the historic and character-rich W Onondaga St, this four-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home presents a remarkable opportunity for the right buyer—particularly one with vision, dedication, and an appreciation for restoration. As part of the Home Ownership Choice Program, this property is uniquely available to buyers who intend to live in the home or to investors committed to renovating and reselling it exclusively to an owner-occupant. With its generous interior layout, striking architectural features, and an impressive double-lot, the home offers both challenges and exceptional potential for long-term value and meaningful transformation.

Upon arrival, the property immediately stands out due to its expansive lot size. Unlike many houses in the area that sit on narrower parcels, this home benefits from a double-lot, offering rare outdoor space that can be transformed into gardens, recreational areas, or future landscaping projects. The presence of a private driveway also adds convenience, especially in urban environments where off-street parking can be limited. Whether you dream of an outdoor entertainment space, a lush green yard, or simply extra room for children and pets to play, the lot provides an excellent foundation for customization.

Stepping into the home, you are greeted by an entry foyer featuring elegant columns—a detail that adds both charm and a sense of traditional craftsmanship. This architectural touch sets the tone for the character found throughout the home. The foyer flows into a spacious living room, forming a welcoming area that can transform into the heart of the home once restored. With its sizeable footprint, the living room can easily accommodate various furniture arrangements, making it a flexible and inviting space for gatherings, relaxation, and daily activities.

Beyond the living room lies an open kitchen and dining room layout, a feature highly sought after in today’s housing market. This openness allows natural light to travel freely from one room to the next, creating an airy and connected atmosphere. The kitchen, which will undoubtedly require renovation, holds immense potential. With the right improvements—such as updated cabinetry, modern appliances, new flooring, and fresh countertops—the space can become an ideal blend of functionality and style. Meanwhile, the dining area is well-positioned for both formal meals and casual family moments. The open-concept flow creates an inviting environment where cooking and socializing effortlessly blend.

One particularly appealing feature of the main floor is the first-floor bedroom, which offers convenience and flexibility. This room can serve as a primary bedroom, guest room, home office, or study. For multi-generational households or individuals seeking accessibility, a first-floor bedroom is a valuable asset. Depending on the renovation vision, this room could also be reimagined as a library, hobby room, or children’s playroom. The possibilities are wide-ranging and limited only by the imagination of the buyer undertaking the renovation.

Upstairs, three additional bedrooms await, offering comfortable spaces that can be transformed into peaceful retreats once restored. Each bedroom provides enough space for furniture, storage, and creative interior design ideas. Whether you envision modern finishes, cozy aesthetics, or bright and airy décor, the upper floor offers a canvas for inspired reconstruction. The 1.5 bathrooms also present opportunities for redesign—whether through new tile, updated fixtures, or the addition of energy-efficient features.

Despite the home’s strong architectural foundation and appealing layout, one of the most critical aspects to be aware of is the major water damage present throughout the property. According to the property information, the home has experienced a flooded basement, likely caused by a natural spring beneath or near the structure. Understanding and addressing this issue is essential for the safety, longevity, and overall livability of the home. Water intrusion can affect structural elements, foundation stability, and interior materials. Any renovation plan will need to include waterproofing, drainage solutions, and possibly foundation work. These necessary improvements contribute significantly to the estimated renovation cost of approximately $144,000, though costs may exceed that amount depending on the scope of repairs and chosen finishes.

Given the extent of repairs required, buyers must be prepared to demonstrate proof of funds totaling at least $150,000, which accounts for both purchase and renovation expenses. This ensures that the buyer has the financial capability to bring the home up to required living standards. It’s essential to acknowledge that restoration projects of this size demand thoughtful planning, professional expertise, and patience—but the reward is the opportunity to create a personalized, beautifully restored home in a desirable location.

Furthermore, this property is being sold strictly as-is, without warranties or representations. This means the buyer assumes all responsibility for repairs, improvements, and future conditions of the property. As with many historic or structurally distressed homes, inspections, contractor consultations, and detailed budgeting will be crucial steps in preparing for the renovation journey.

As part of the Home Ownership Choice Program, the property must either be owner-occupied or renovated and resold to an owner-occupant. This program is designed to strengthen neighborhoods, promote stable residency, and support community revitalization. Buyers who value contributing to community development will appreciate this guiding principle. The program encourages homeowners to invest in their surroundings and form long-term connections within the neighborhood.

For interested buyers, the purchase process has specific guidelines and timelines. Important documents—including the Property Purchase Application and Contract to Purchase—are available on the program’s website. These forms provide essential information about requirements, deadlines, and obligations. Completed offers must be submitted no later than the first Tuesday of each month, aligning with the property’s review cycle by the organization’s Board of Directors, which typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Buyers are encouraged to confirm these dates, as meeting schedules may occasionally shift.

Because renovation costs can exceed $150,000, buyers should consider contingencies in their budget. Unexpected issues may arise during construction—especially in older homes with known water problems—and having additional funds can ensure the project progresses without interruption. Proof of funds must reflect the combined purchase and renovation expenses to demonstrate financial readiness for this significant undertaking.

In summary, the home on W Onondaga St offers an exceptional opportunity for buyers with the passion and resources to restore a property with genuine character and promise. While the home requires extensive repairs—including addressing water damage and fully revitalizing the interior—it provides a rare chance to create a customized living space on a double-lot in a desirable area. The architectural charm of the foyer columns, the spacious open layout, and the flexible bedroom arrangements all hint at the stunning potential that lies beneath the current condition.

This property is more than just a restoration project; it is an opportunity to build or rebuild a home filled with warmth, personality, and purpose. For the right buyer—whether a committed homeowner or a renovation-focused investor—the possibilities are enormous. With dedication, vision, and the necessary resources, this W Onondaga St home can be transformed into a beautifully renewed residence ready to welcome future generations and contribute to the continued growth and revitalization of its neighborhood.