Takk HouseEST. 2014

Our property is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Troy, New York. It sits amongst some of the best bars and restaurants in our wonderful city. Troy is booming with specialty shops, breweries, eateries, art, culture and a wonderful community of people. You can enjoy beautiful Hudson River views as you embark upon Takk House. Welcomed by our vintage inspired marquee sign Takk House is friendly and unique. We are one of the most beautiful spaces in Troy.

Behind our walls live architectural details that date back to the 1860's. We are truly a hidden gem. From the 3rd Floor windows you can see Monument Square and within it a 17-foot bronze statue of the Goddess Columbia. The Troy Historic District in which Takk House rests is an irregularly shaped, 96-acre area of downtown Troy, New York, United States. It has been described as "one of the most perfectly preserved 19th-century downtowns in the country" with nearly 700 properties in a variety of architectural styles from the early 19th to mid-20th centuries. These include most of Russell Sage College, one of two privately owned urban parks in New York, and two National Historic Landmarks.

The building we named Takk House at 55 Third Street in Troy, New York, was built in 2 main stages. The original structure, a grand Victorian city home, was built in 1865 by William Farnham. Early photos show it had a side porch, and we assume there was a carriage house and garden in the rear. In 1889, it was purchased by the Frear Brothers, who operated a successful department store in Troy. They converted the building to mixed commercial use, housing a lawyer’s office, rug merchant, tailor and hat shop. The Frears also sold the side porch area of the property, resulting in an L-shaped lot with a 30′ frontage, 50′ width at the rear, and a depth of 130′.

In 1918 the Knights of Columbus purchased the property, and developed a major expansion to the rear, featuring a two-story ballroom, third floor gymnasium, and a 4-lane bowling alley in the basement. This addition uses steel I-beam construction, which allows for the large expanse of the rooms, without the need for support columns. Both the 1865 and 1920 structures are incredibly well built, still plumb and solid. The Knights thrived in their clubhouse, and in the 1970’s they modernized the bathrooms, kitchen, plumbing, electrical and reconfigured some spaces. So to say the least we have a lot of different time periods tied together at Takk House. We have of course added our own design and decor touches to our property. Making it truly eclectic.

We may or may not have a 1920's bowling alley hiding in the basement ;)