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Save This Old House: An 1870 Italiante with Good Bones in Jamestown, NY

by Suzanne Zenkel
Front of House
Heather Shea-Canaley

This Italianate-style home in New York has good bones, but could use a modern a refresh.

About this House

This 4,159-square-foot house was built circa 1870, when the small city was a booming manufacturing center and grand homes were constructed on its most elegant street. In the early 1890s, the house was home to local postmaster Charles Weeks, and at the turn of the last century, to Newton Crissey, president of the Farmers and Mechanics bank. Today it is known locally as the Weeks Mansion, for the prominent family that continued to own it for much of the 20th century.

Why Save It?

Left: Doors at the front entry and vestibule survive, flanked by leaded-glass sidelights and capped with transoms. The doors’ large glass panels are typical of the Italianate style. Right: Both fireplaces remain. This one, in the living room, retains remnants of its inlaid green marble mantel. In the primary bedroom upstairs, a similar mantel is intact. The exterior portions of both chimneys had fallen into disrepair and were removed. | Heather Shea-Canaley

Set on a quarter-acre double lot, the house retains significant original features, including extensive millwork, floors, staircases, and fireplaces. On the exterior, the original entryway, windows, wraparound porch, clapboard siding, and brackets survive. Located in the Lakeview Historic District, the house is set among other 19th- and early-20th-century homes and some newer multi-unit dwellings.

It sits on a hill overlooking Chautauqua Lake, in a county known for its natural beauty. The city, which was comedian Lucille Ball’s hometown, became the site of the National Comedy Center in 2018. While this Rust Belt town has its share of urban problems, it also offers a lower cost of living, and a number of revitalization programs are underway to restore its luster.

What It Needs

Staircase
The main staircase, with its handsome newel post and turned balusters, is original, as are the house’s four other staircases, paneled doors (most with ornate hinges), wainscot, and trimwork. | Heather Shea-Canaley

Beneath its new roof, the house is believed to be structurally sound. Recent renovations gutted the kitchen and first-floor bath, and exposed some of the wall lathe, readying it for plaster or drywall. The porches require new footings and railings, and the house needs all new systems. It’s a prospect not for the faint of heart, to be sure, but the right new owner will meet the challenge for this charmer with great potential.

House Stats

  • Price: $99,900
  • Location: Jamestown, NY
  • Contact: Stefanie Sunday; stefsunday29@ gmail.com

Got a House?

If you know of an old house for sale that should be saved, write to This Old House, 262 Harbor Dr., Stamford, CT 06902 or savethisoldhouse@thisoldhouse.com.

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