Historic Faxton Hall Set for Modern Revival

We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Faxton Hall, a Utica Landmark built in 1867 at the corner of Court and Varick St and directly across from the iconic Saranac Brewery.

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Expanded History of the Property

Built in 1867 by Theodore Faxton, an influential industrialist and civic leader, Faxton Hall was originally designed as a school and library for the children of local mill workers. Over the decades, the Hall has adapted to the evolving needs of the community, serving various educational and social functions.

Its proximity to Saranac Brewery, home to Utica Club—the first beer served legally after Prohibition- adds a unique narrative layer, connecting famous eras in American (and Utican) history with the present. 

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Theodore Faxton’s Legacy

Faxton's legacy in Utica extends beyond this building. As an innovative industrialist, he was a pioneer in early stagecoach and telegraph lines, working with Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph and founding the first commercial telegraph company.

Faxton was instrumental in the establishment of several key institutions here,  founding two textile mills, homeless shelters, orphanages, and Faxton Hospital  (now part of MVHS- and the Wynn Hospital just blocks away). A one time mayor during the Civil War, Faxton was dedicated to the community and his contributions to Utica's growth and prosperity remain.

Faxton Hall - Architectural Significance and Past Uses

Designed in the French Second Empire style by architect Azel Lathrop, the Hall showcases high-curved French roofs and intricate iron detailing, reflective of the period’s architectural trends.

From its early days as an educational hub to its later use as a public library and the local headquarters of the Knights of St. John, each phase of its use has contributed to its rich history.

Mid-20th Century Changes

Following its educational use, in 1950 the Hall was leased (and later sold following an interesting legal dispute) to the Knights of St. John, marking another chapter of community involvement.

Most recently, in 2022 the Cloverfield Project Inc purchased the property to preserve its local ties, and now, Breaux Properties has the opportunity and task to preserve the structure’s history while preparing it for the future

A special thanks to our friends at the Celtic Harp for their support in making this new chapter possible. 

The Next Chapter

As we embark on this journey, Faxton Hall’s story of resilience and adaptability continues. We are dedicated to enhancing its historical character, transforming it into a structure that respects its past while growing with Utica’s future. 

Stay tuned as we carefully shape the next chapter in the history of Faxton Hall. We aim to repurpose the building while maintaining its unique character, bridging the gap between Utica’s history and Utica’s rebirth.