About the House
The Ellwanger Estate was originally a farm developed by James Hawks, who built a small house on the property in 1839. George Ellwanger purchased the Hawks farm in 1867, at which time the house was enlarged by A.J. Warner, the city's pre-eminent architect during the late 19th century. The house was subsequently remodeled again in the early 20th century by Warner's son, J. Foster Warner, who also designed the George Eastman House.
The house has 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, and the expansive first floor reception rooms feature oak paneling, staircase and columns. The Hook and Hasting pipe organ on the half-landing of the staircase dates to 1878 and was originally located next door in the Ellwanger House at 609 Mt. Hope Ave.
Five acres of gardens still surround the property with many plants dating back to the Ellwanger family's days. Helen Ellwanger, granddaughter to Mr. Ellwanger, was an early preservationist who helped establish The Landmark Society of Western New York in the 1930s. Landscape architect Fletcher Steele was engaged to add design elements to the gardens, including the decorative wall.
Miss Ellwanger bequeathed the house and gardens to The Landmark Society. While the house is now privately owned, The Landmark Society owns and maintains The Ellwanger Garden, which is open to the public several times a year or by group tour appointment.
About The Landmark Society
The Landmark Society of Western New York Inc. is one of the oldest and most active preservation organizations in America, serving nine western New York counties. Now in its 71st year, The Landmark Society continues to discover, protect, and revitalize the architectural and related cultural heritage of the Rochester region, and to educate and inform our community about that heritage. For additional information on preservation issues in the Rochester area and surrounding communities, please visit www.landmarksociety.org.
