The historic George Whedon house at 366 W. Onondaga St. in Syracuse is on the market for just $25,000—a seemingly incredible deal. However, there’s a significant catch: the Greater Syracuse Land Bank, the current seller, is looking for a buyer who is ready and willing to take on the substantial task of renovating the property. The renovation is not just a small project; it’s expected to cost over $1 million to restore this 4,800-square-foot mansion to its original splendor.
Katelyn Wright, the executive director of the Land Bank, stated, “Our goal is to see this property revitalized and put to good use, ultimately bringing it back onto the tax rolls.”
Built in 1892, the home was originally the residence of Dr. George Whedon, a highly regarded physician in Syracuse at the time. Situated on West Onondaga Street, the area was once a hub of affluence, lined with grand mansions owned by wealthy citizens.
However, as economic conditions shifted, many of the wealthy residents moved away, leading to a gradual decline in the area. Despite this, Dr. Whedon’s mansion and other historic homes have managed to withstand the years, each in different states of preservation.
While the exact architect of the Whedon home remains unconfirmed, there is strong speculation that it might have been designed by Archimedes Russell, a celebrated Syracuse architect known for his work on the Onondaga County Court House. This speculation is further supported by similarities between this mansion and another of Dr. Whedon’s residences, which was definitely designed by Russell.
After Dr. George Whedon passed away in 1912 at the ripe age of 80, his home found a new purpose under the ownership of Albert C. Schumaker in 1921, who converted it into a funeral parlor. This funeral home served the local community for many years until 1952, when it was taken over by the Whelan Brothers. They ran the funeral business until 1977 before deciding to sell the property and move their operations.
Over the years, this once-grand three-story mansion deteriorated significantly. The situation worsened 12 years ago when a fire damaged the roof. Eventually, due to unpaid taxes, the city took possession of the property. In 2018, the city handed the property over to the land bank.
Aware of the building’s rich history and architectural value, the land bank is actively working to preserve its legacy. They have initiated the process to list the house on the National Register of Historic Places, noting its status as an excellent example of Victorian-era Queen Anne-style architecture. The mansion is particularly recognizable for its two round towers, one on the front and one on the west side, adding to its distinctive and historic character.
The architectural firm Holmes King & Kallquist has provided a detailed description of the house’s unique exterior features. These include various patterns of wood shingles designed to resemble fish scales and waves, and ornate wooden carvings with floral or leaf motifs around the second-floor level, all adding to the building’s charm.
The house also features two welcoming porches, one at the front and another on the east side, perfect for outdoor leisure.
Katelyn Wright, the executive director of the land bank, sees multiple possibilities for the property’s use. Ideas include transforming the mansion into approximately six apartment units or adapting it for office, retail, restaurant, or personal service uses such as a hair salon. Additionally, getting the house listed on the National Register of Historic Places could open up significant financial incentives for restoration, including 20% in federal and state tax credits.
Recent neighborhood initiatives, like the extension of the Onondaga Creekwalk, indicate a rising interest in revitalizing the area. Furthermore, Pathfinder Bank’s plans to convert a nearby 1910 mansion at 506 W. Onondaga St. into a branch office and community meeting rooms highlight the growing potential for community engagement and economic development in the area.
