If you have been searching for an affordable historic home with plenty of potential, this 1870 property at 864 Glen St, Janesville, Wisconsin, deserves a closer look. Priced at $199,900, the home offers a chance to own a piece of Janesville history while creating a living space that reflects your own taste and vision.
Originally built in 1870, this older home sits on a generous 0.28-acre lot and provides approximately 1,080 square feet of finished living space. With three bedrooms and one bathroom, the property could be an appealing option for buyers who appreciate older homes and are willing to take on some updating.
Rather than presenting as a fully renovated historic property, this home offers something different: a blank canvas with the opportunity to add your own finishing touches.
1870 Home With Historic Appeal
Homes dating back to the late 19th century can offer a sense of character that is difficult to reproduce in newer construction. Built in 1870, this Janesville property has been standing for more than 150 years, giving it a place in the city’s architectural history.
For old-house enthusiasts, the age alone makes the property interesting. A home from this period can provide the foundation for a thoughtful renovation that balances modern comfort with the character of an earlier era.
The next owner will have the opportunity to determine how much of that character to preserve and how the interior should evolve for modern living.
Three Bedrooms and 1,080 Square Feet
The home offers three bedrooms and one full bathroom across approximately 1,080 square feet of finished living space.
Its size makes it considerably more manageable than many larger historic houses, particularly for someone looking for an older property without the maintenance demands associated with a sprawling Victorian-era residence.
The existing floor plan also gives a future owner an opportunity to rethink how the available space is used. With general updating needed throughout, there is room to personalize the finishes, colors, fixtures and overall style.
For buyers who enjoy renovation projects, this can be part of the appeal.
Full Unfinished Basement Adds Potential
One of the property’s useful features is its full unfinished basement. While it is not currently included in the finished living area, basement space can provide valuable storage and utility areas.
Depending on local requirements and the home’s structure, a future owner may also explore possibilities for improving or finishing portions of the basement. Any conversion or renovation would, of course, need to be evaluated based on local building codes, permits and the property’s existing condition.
Even without finishing it, a full basement can be useful for seasonal storage, household equipment, hobbies and other needs.
Detached One-Car Garage
The property also includes a detached one-car garage, providing additional convenience for parking and storage.
Detached garages can be particularly useful with older homes because they may offer flexible space beyond simply housing a vehicle. Depending on its condition and local regulations, the garage could potentially serve as a workshop, storage area or hobby space.
The combination of the garage, basement and 0.28-acre lot gives the property more functional space than the 1,080 square feet of finished interior living area alone might suggest.
Recent Improvements Already Completed
Although the home needs general updating, not everything is waiting for the next owner.
The property has received some improvements within the past five years, including newer siding and a newer furnace. These updates provide a useful starting point for someone planning a broader renovation.
Having some major exterior and mechanical work already addressed can allow a buyer to focus their attention on the cosmetic and interior improvements that will give the house its new personality.
Of course, prospective buyers should independently verify the age, condition and performance of all major systems during their inspection and due diligence.
A Renovation Opportunity in Janesville, Wisconsin
The biggest attraction here may be the opportunity itself. This is not a property being marketed as a completely finished, move-in-ready historic home. Instead, it offers buyers the chance to bring ideas to an older house and gradually transform it.
Imagine choosing the interior paint colors, updating the kitchen, refreshing the bathroom, improving the flooring and selecting lighting and fixtures that complement the home’s historic age.
For someone who enjoys old houses, renovation can be more than simply updating a property. It can be an opportunity to give an older home a new chapter while respecting what came before.
What Could Make This Property Appealing?
There are several elements that may attract buyers to this Janesville home:
- Built in 1870
- Three bedrooms
- One bathroom
- Approximately 1,080 square feet
- 0.28-acre lot
- Full unfinished basement
- Detached one-car garage
- Newer siding
- Newer furnace
- Priced at $199,900
- Opportunity for general updating and personalization
The combination of an historic construction date, manageable size, outdoor space and renovation potential makes this property particularly interesting for buyers who would rather create their own style than pay a premium for someone else’s renovation.
A Blank Canvas for an Old-House Lover
There is something special about an older home that still has room for a new owner to make their mark.
At 864 Glen St, the opportunity is less about buying a perfectly finished house and more about seeing what the property could become. The next owner could approach the updates gradually, preserving the elements they love while modernizing the spaces that need attention.
For anyone who enjoys restoration, remodeling or simply the charm of homes from another era, this 1870 Janesville property could be worth exploring.
At $199,900, it offers an entry point into historic-home ownership with plenty of possibilities still left to uncover.
Property Details at a Glance
Address: 864 Glen St, Janesville, WI 53545
Price: $199,900
Year Built: 1870
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Finished Living Space: 1,080 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 0.28 acres
Basement: Full, unfinished
Garage: Detached, 1-car
Recent Improvements: Newer siding and furnace
For buyers who see potential where others see a project, this historic Janesville home could be an intriguing opportunity. With its 19th-century origins, practical layout and space for improvements, it offers a chance to create something personal while giving an older house a renewed future.
Please check more at Zillow:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/864-Glen-St-Janesville-WI-53545/89100652_zpid/