A Historic Triplex Opportunity Circa 1890 in New York

Built in 1890, this Victorian on Thayer Street is a substantial and flexible residence rooted in Rochester’s Historic Park Avenue neighborhood. Its wide front porch—overlooking a private front and side yard screened by mature hedges—sets the tone for a house designed to balance public presence with quiet retreat.

Inside, the foyer immediately establishes the home’s character, with intact natural woodwork and a built-in bench that reflects everyday Victorian practicality. A large original pocket door opens into the living room, where built-ins and a wood-burning stove insert anchor the space without overpowering it. Throughout the first floor, multiple rooms—many separated by original pocket doors—create a layout that can shift with changing needs. These are true rooms, not leftover spaces, and they lend themselves equally well to offices, guest rooms, studios, or sitting rooms.

The kitchen sits at the rear of the house, retaining original wood cabinetry, a pantry, and a country sink. From here, a private back porch reinforces the home’s traditional relationship between service spaces and outdoor access. A full bath with a historic clawfoot tub completes the main level.

A prominent staircase, illuminated by a large original stained-glass window, leads to the second floor. Here, arched doorways and built-ins define a generous central foyer. Depending on configuration, this level accommodates four to five bedrooms, all with closets—an uncommon feature in houses of this age. One room, currently arranged as a living space, includes a decorative fireplace and small kitchenette, hinting at the home’s long history of evolving use. A second full bath with a clawfoot tub serves this floor.

The third level offers a self-contained living arrangement well suited for guests, extended family, or rental use. Skylights brighten a multi-purpose living area, paired with a compact kitchen that opens to a fire escape. A full bath with clawfoot tub and a large bedroom complete the space. An adjacent unfinished attic provides additional potential for expansion, storage, or creative use.

A private rear staircase connects the basement, first floor, and upper levels, allowing separation without isolation—an ideal feature for multi-generational living or income-producing arrangements. Off-street parking and a garage with rebuilt roof joists and roof add practical value rarely found with homes of this vintage.

This is a house that has accommodated change for more than a century without losing its architectural core—an honest, adaptable Victorian with intact details and uncommon versatility.

🏛️ Property Details

🗓️ Built: 1890
🏠 Style: Victorian
📐 Living Space: 3,726 sq ft
🛏️ Bedrooms: 6 (layout flexible)
🛁 Bathrooms: 3 (all with clawfoot tubs)
🌳 Lot Size: 5,227 sq ft
🪟 Original Features: Pocket doors, stained glass, built-ins, woodwork
🏡 Extras: Front porch, rear porch, private rear staircase
🚗 Parking: Driveway + garage
📍 Address: 2 Thayer St, Rochester, NY 14607
💰 Price: $300,000

👤 Listed by: Keller Williams Realty Greater Rochester

From Zillow