ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY)-- A historic house built in the 1800s in the heart of Elmira is up for sale. This 19th-century home is located at 359 W. Church Street. It's part of the Near West Side Historic District. This historic property is filled with charm and character.

The house was once the Ritz Carriage House it's now known as the Richardson-Kennedy house. J. D. Iles, a real estate agent with the hidden landmarks home team at Keller Realty explains its architecture has a unique story.  It was built in 1870 by Jackson Richardson President of the J Richardson Boot and Shoe Company. In 1910 the owner of Kennedy Valve lived in the home for decades before a new owner purchased it.

"In 1958 a gentleman by the name of Don Pauldine bought it and converted it into apartments, a beauty school, and also a well-known hair salon known as the Ritz Carriage Salon," Iles said.

In 2007 unfortunately there was a major fire that caused severe damage to the home. Then the west side neighborhood association took over the building, now they are selling the house and looking for a new owner to take on renovations. The three-story home has high ceilings, large windows, and scenic views.  Iles said the only thing it needs is some T L C.

"The challenge is restoring it to its former grandeur but on the plus side, it's a fantastic challenge to paint the next chapter in this house's history," Iles said.

Iles said the property is eleven thousand five hundred square feet with dozens of rooms. Although it's currently non-liveable the next owner can transform it into something stunning.

"This home is basically a blank slate, there's some original woodwork, there are some original fireplaces but really I think the power of this building is it can become just about anything," Iles said.

The only restrictions as far as renovations that can be made to the home, Iles tells WENY News the next owner would have to keep the exterior of the building in its Victorian style. 

This historic property is being sold for $150,000.