Little Falls Specialty for Sale - Herkimer County
Step back in time...specifically 1914...and immerse yourself in a place of mystery and ...magnificence... A grand building...Where we can imagine the secret meetings, voices, and music that once echoed in the halls. Step inside one of the few modern monoliths that remain standing firm...of the Masonic Lodge.
Setting majestically on the corner of Prospect and School streets, in the historic City of Little Falls New York, this French Gothic Castle is striking with its back drop of the Mohawk River and the Valley hilltops.
Architect William Neil Smith…cited the French Medieval Period as his inspiration for the magnificent structure. The building style was based on the ‘unusual character of the land plot’ donated by Major Sponable, a Civil War hero, who became a Mason on Oct. 26, 1854...on a hillside overlooking the
Mohawk Valley. The building is constructed of brick and stone with French Medieval half timber work and cement stucco. The framing is a combination of wood and Steel beams, the latter used to support the wider spans and heavier weight loads
associated with the larger rooms in the building. The main roof and roofs of the two towers are red terra cotta tile flashed with copper.
Originally the building contained the following rooms for use by the members of the Masonic Organization: Lower level contained a Bowling Alley with two large lanes accessed by the separate entrance from the School Street. The first floor contained the social and club rooms accessible through the tower at the intersection of school and prospect streets. The second floor is accessed by the large double doors on prospect street and was called the ‘Commandery Floor’. The Second floor contains a kitchen, ballroom with bar, and a stage. The room measures a massive 27 by 67 feet. The foyer of the second floor boasts a large staircase which leads to the Mezzanine Level, containing the original dressing rooms, coat rooms, and Lockers for the Masonic activities. The top floor contains the Lodge Room measuring 61 by 37 feet, and is finished in the English Medieval Renaissance Period. The Lodge room contains an operating Pipe Organ situated in an organ loft on the western end of the room. One can imagine the chills and goosebumps in this space that allows sound waves to reflect on the walls and bounce around as they amplify the effects.
Over the years the building has been utilized for other purposes including: a nursery school, pottery and art studio, dance and music practice and presentations, elegant events, and as a magnificent living space. The property was owned by terry tippin and used as a personal home and studio from 1995 to 2021 upon which The Staywell Properties took possession.
The Masons met here until 2004 when they merged with the Dolgeville Masons courtesy of the then owner, Mrs. Tippin. In its ‘heyday’ there were 350 Masons and the 173 members of the Order of the Eastern Star.
With Over 12,000 square feet of interior space, the sky really is the limit on the elevated living spaces and, the creative and imaginative, entrepreneurial spirit of the inhabitants.
The current owners have invested a significant investment into the property and taken the potential of what could be created, to a whole new level! On the main level, an incredible bar was installed with the vision of a space that can host elegant affairs. A 150 thousand dollar screen projection system was installed to offer full motion picture, professional licensed current content. Custom ballroom curtains with materials ordered from France adorn the space.
A full level of the castle offers living quarters. Much of the custom kitchen is already installed. 2 bedrooms and grand, personal entertaining rooms boast soaring ceilings and magnificent views. There is an abundance of building materials on site that will convey to the next owner to complete the vision.
A total of 4 parcels will convey with this extraordinary property. A bound information book will be provided to all potential buyers at private showings. Bring your imagination and watch what unfolds in front of you!
