The Munsill Borden Mansion: A Gilded Age Landmark & Strategic Investment
Presenting an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a piece of American industrial history: The Munsill Borden Mansion at 2 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford. Commissioned in 1893 for Mary Borden Munsill—daughter of Gail Borden, the legendary inventor of condensed milk—this estate is a crowning jewel of the Gilded Age.
With nearly 8,000 square feet of architectural splendor and located within a federal Opportunity Zone, this property is as much a strategic financial asset as it is a historical masterpiece.
Property Investment Profile
Price: $737,500
Price per Sq. Ft.: An incredible ~$95/sq. ft.
Living Area: 7,727 sq. ft.
Historic Status: National Register of Historic Places
Tax Advantage: Located in a Federal Opportunity Zone
Lot Details: 0.39 Acres with a newly paved parking lot (Sept. 2025)
Architectural Mastery: Queen Anne meets Richardsonian Romanesque
Designed with the opulence of the late 19th century, the mansion is a rare hybrid of architectural styles. The exterior features the whimsical gingerbread trim and turrets of the Queen Anne Victorian era, grounded by the heavy stone and arched forms of the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
Interior Features of Note:
Seven Grand Fireplaces: Each uniquely carved, serving as the focal point of the primary reception rooms.
Exquisite Woodwork: Thick wainscoting, intricate crown and dental moldings, and master-crafted grand staircases throughout.
Art-Grade Stained Glass: Original windows that cast kaleidoscopic light across the sprawling floor plan.
The Slate Roof: A hallmark of high-end 1890s construction, adding to the home’s timeless silhouette and durability.
The Strategic Advantage: Opportunity Zone & Development Potential
While the Munsill Borden Mansion currently serves as office space, its future is limited only by your vision.
Residential Restoration: Restore the mansion to its original residential grandeur as one of Hartford’s premier private estates.
Multifamily / Condo Conversion: The massive footprint is ideal for a luxury condo conversion.
Portfolio Expansion: This property can be purchased in conjunction with 14 Wethersfield Ave for a larger-scale condo development project.
Opportunity Zone Benefits: Investors can leverage significant capital gains tax incentives by revitalizing this property within the designated Opportunity Zone.
Location: The Historic South Green District
Once the neighborhood of the famous Colt family (of Colt Armory fame), the South Green district is witnessing a modern renaissance.
Walkability: Proximity to downtown Hartford’s legal, financial, and government centers.
Accessibility: Minutes from major interstates and transport hubs.
Modern Infrastructure: Includes a brand-new, professionally paved parking lot completed in September 2025, providing immediate utility for commercial or high-density residential use.
A Legacy Waiting for its Next Chapter
The Munsill Borden Mansion is more than just real estate; it is a testament to the wealth and innovation that built Hartford. Whether you are a historic preservationist or a savvy developer looking for a high-yield project, this mansion offers a rare combination of prestige and potential.
From Zillow
Listed by: Matthew Guida (860) 888-2732 Firm: Eagle Eye Realty PLLC MLS#: 24130537
Understanding Opportunity Zone Tax Benefits
Would you like me to create an Opportunity Zone Investment Guide to include on your site? This will help your readers understand how they can defer capital gains taxes by investing in properties like the Munsill Borden Mansion.
