There are few properties in the WNY region that can compare to 193 Elk Street – a fabulous Gothic revival cathedral and rectory in South Buffalo. When I first paid a visit to this cultural oasis back in 2020, it was known as Elk Tree Gardens & Castle. At the time, the owners were busy transforming the nave, the various rooms, and the grounds, into a cultural mecca for artists and musicians. It is interesting to note that the nave has City-approved plans for an event and entertainment space, if that is the direction that a new owner is interested in taking the compound.
There’s a lot more to this sale than meets the eye. Not only can a new owner play around with 20,000 square feet, situated on 1.8 acres of land… there are numerous spaces to work with including the rectory with 4 1-bedroom apartments, 5 full baths, and 7 additional rooms and offices. A handful of intertwined vacant lots are also part of the deal.
For anyone that has ever dreamed of living in a castle-like setting, this property offers that and more. For anyone that has ever considered running an over-the-top entertainment complex, there’s room for that too. Or… for anyone that has thought about creating a little Gothic-inspired village with cottages surrounding a “castle”… this is your chance.
The current owners have put a lot of thought, and work, into the property, to showcase the former church and grounds in a way that lends to the imagination, there is no doubt. Now, they are looking for someone who can appreciate the vision for the circa 1888 structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
193 Elk Street is a stone’s throw from the Buffalo River and Larkinville. Savarino’s McDermott Lofts is located to the right of the former church. The property is perfectly situated in close proximity to numerous destinations. It also possesses the type of potential that is only limited by one’s imagination – a place to work, play, live… and dream.
“… in-ground pool, hedge mazes, gardens, stages, patios.”
Those were just a few of the ideas that were once on the table. While not everything that the current owners dreamed about came to pass, they did manage to create building blocks upon which everything else can be assembled.
193 Elk Street is on the market for $1,200,000.
Get connected: Gurney Becker & Bourne
Listing agent: Carmelo Parlato
716-335-2227 (Office)
716-335-2227 (Cell)
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