MGL

A few interesting properties have recently come on the market in the past few weeks, this being one of them. There are two storefront located on the ground floor, along with a carriage/passage way in the center that allows access to the backyard which, offer loads of fun possibilities. This property is located on the northern end of Liberty Street, far from Washington’s Headquarters but just in front of Oldtown Cemetery and Weigand’s Tavern. One corner over is the Girdle Factory being offered and used as artist loft space. 307 Liberty is another property that is very similar to this one that was renovated three years ago. A retail corridor really doesn’t exist here, although there are plenty of empty storefronts to make it happen. If this property interests you, be prepared to spearhead any sidewalk presence. This could work nicely as a live/work space as there are apartments above. The lack of interior photos probably means a gut renovation is necessary. But please, save those original windows! If you have a friend that wants to move with you, have them check out 309 Liberty Street.

315 Liberty Street Newburgh NY (Rosemary Lee, Apple2Orange Realty)
Asking Price: $129,000
Year Built: 1935
Size: 3,293 sq ft
Neighborhood: Liberty Street
Taxes: $2,478
Distance to NYC: 58.1 mi, 1 hour 9 mins
Public Transportation: MetroNorth to Beacon, then take ferry across
Closest Roadways: 9W, I-87, I-84
Google Map

This is a beautiful home for sale, set among some of the finest in Newburgh. The listing gives great historical details, “Lewis Smith was one of Newburgh’s wealthiest citizens in the late 1800’s and he hired renowned architect Frank Estabrook to create a home that demonstrated that fact. Estabrook homes were known for their fortress-like construction quality and for their high level of detail and craftsmanship.” Just look through the pictures and you will see that this home is full of original details and has been updated nicely, respecting the history of the home. Next door neighbors are young families and others are new transplants to Newburgh. Not featured in the photos in the house located to the rear of the property that has a long driveway on the right. It is an equally beautiful house that was recently on the market.

162 Grand St Newburgy NY (Chris Hanson, Apple 2 Orange Realty)
Asking Price: $425,000
Year Built: 1884
Size: 4,363 sq ft
Neighborhood: MGL
Taxes: $18,450
Distance to NYC: 58.1 mi, 1 hour 9 mins
Public Transportation: MetroNorth to Beacon, then take ferry across
Closest Roadways: 9W, I-87, I-84
Google Map

Another Libby Lyon/Tom Porfidio house has come on the market. This house is currently known as the Stocksbridge Ramsdell House Bed & Breakfast. This home was among 5 (another report says 7) homes saved by Libby Lyon, Newburgh’s own Jane Jacobs. She bought them for $1,000 each to save them from the urban renewal that had leveled the waterfront. Two of the houses were later bought and restored by Tom Porfidio who gave a wonderful account of the early Newburgh restoration days. When Tom purchased 158 it was a complete hollow shell that took 3 years to complete.

Now it is time for the next generation to continue Libby and Tom’s legacy. There is likely plenty of work left to do. You can read all about the history of this home by reading this post: Before and After: 158 Montgomery and Newburgh’s First Urban Pioneers

158 Montgomery St Newburgy NY (Dennis Barr)
Asking Price: $420,000
Year Built: 1870-90
Size: 4,730 sq ft
Neighborhood: MGL
Taxes: $26,000
Distance to NYC: 58.1 mi, 1 hour 9 mins
Public Transportation: MetroNorth to Beacon, then take ferry across
Closest Roadways: 9W, I-87, I-84
Google Map

Tom and his German Shepherd he needed to chase away vandals

The last time this house went up for sale in 2013 it was taken down the next day. Now that it has been up for over a week, let’s have another look. This house is in one of the most ideal locations if you like a mixture of grandeur with access to shops. Be warned however, this house has been estimated to need $200,000 worth of work. Also, the carriage house in the rear yard has collapsed.

6 Grand St Newburgh NY (Shawn Larry)
Asking Price: $150,000
Year Built: 1900 – probably earlier
Size: 3,264 sq ft
Neighborhood: MGL, WHQ
Taxes: N/A
Distance to NYC: 55.7 mi, 1 hr 2 mins
Public Transportation: MetroNorth to Beacon, then take ferry across
Closest Roadways: 9W, I-87, I-84
Google Map

This house is a significant part of Newburgh history. It was restored by Tom Porfidio, one of Newburgh’s first urban pioneers. This home was among 5 (another report says 7) homes saved by Libby Lyon, Newburgh’s own Jane Jacobs. She bought them for $1,000 each to save them from the urban renewal that had leveled the waterfront. However, when it was time to pay, Ms. Lyon didn’t have the money! You can learn all about this fascinating woman in a previous post.

The house was already in horrible condition with Tom bought it. He did extensive repair work that included sanding the floors, making bookshelves and even crafting 22 stair spindles out of pine. Now it is time for the next generation to continue Libby and Tom’s legacy. There is likely plenty of work left to do.

You can read all about the history of this home by reading this post:Before and After: 162 Montgomery, Urban Pioneers Part II.

162 Montgomery St Newburgy NY (Peter Persaud, J Philip Real Estate)
Asking Price: starting bid $289,000
Year Built: 1870
Size: 2,781 sq ft
Neighborhood: WHQ
Taxes: horribly wrong on listings but seems to be $15,000 +/-
Distance to NYC: 58.1 mi, 1 hour 9 mins
Public Transportation: MetroNorth to Beacon, then take ferry across
Closest Roadways: 9W, I-87, I-84
Google Map

This is Tom standing proudly outside his restored home in 1983.