About & Spaces

History of takk house & tour our spaces

history & transformation

Previously a Knights of Columbus building, The Takk House has been transformed into a unique one of a kind space featuring original breathtaking architecture, beautiful wrapping staircases, ballroom, custom designed Bride and Groom suites for getting ready, newly renovated restrooms and food staging facilities. The basement level (which once was a bowling alley!) has been transformed into a tiki bar and shuffleboard club named Franklin Alley Social Club.

Our large, open floor plan allows you the ultimate canvas for creativity, and we pride ourselves in embracing that! The flexibility of the space lets you stick with its minimalist beauty or create a one of a kind atmosphere – it’s up to you and your imagination and vision. Whether you are looking to do something totally DIY or need a little extra help with details we are here to help!

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 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′.

Day of the Knights | 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. In the 1990’s the Knights Council struggled financially, and fell behind on building maintenance and property taxes, finally losing the building to the City of Troy in 1999.

The “thank you” house?

Takk means “thank you” in Icelandic. Pronounced “tock,” as in “tick-tock,” the sound a clock makes. The “thank you” house? Well, yes! The basis of most celebrations is gratitude. Thank you for coming. Thank you for inviting us. Thank you for everything you’ve done. Thank you for being in our lives. Thank you for caring.

Takk House is the house of gratitude. A space to celebrate with the people in your life that you are thankful for. Takk. ♥︎

Well, yes!

Virtual Tour

Welcome to Takk House! Take a peek inside with our virtual tour. Read more about each of our unique spaces below.

01 Franklin Alley Social Club

Underground secret tiki oasis that sits below Takk House. Franklin Alley is home to two full shuffleboard courts, bocce pit, 12 vintage arcade games, giant jenga and 20+ board games. An afterparty dream come true! This space is open to the public but is available for partial or full space rentals.

02 The Ballroom

Vast open floor plan with original wood flooring, amazing 20 foot ceilings, paper lanterns and romantic string lights draped throughout. Our ballroom holds up to 150 seated guests in a variety of different table configurations based on our couples needs. Beautiful original architecture makes this room truly unique.

Located on the 2nd floor, the bridal suites boast beautiful natural light, a soft color palette, antique furniture, and everything you’ll need to feel comfortable the morning of your wedding. Created as a hideaway for brides, bridal/baby showers, small parties and photo shoots, they are straight out of a catalog with jaw dropping details and a hint of feminine perfection. You won't want to leave. Arrive as early as 9:00am and enjoy a breakfast board while the morning light dancings on the walls. Amenities for The Rosemary include a toaster oven, coffee maker, large dining table, and champagne fridge. Amenities for The Sage include adjustable salon chairs, makeup stations, a garment rack, changing and sitting areas.

04 The Rooftop

A complete jaw-dropping photography opportunity! Overlooking downtown, this adventure is worth the effort in every season! A great place to have your first look or sunset photos. This option is only offered to our wedding clients and is limited to just the couple and photographer.

05 The Barbershop

This retro multipurpose space is a great room for groomsmen to get ready! Historically, it used to be a barbershop in the 1960’s. It is located on our basement level off Franklin Alley Social Club. It is the perfect space to enjoy a lunch spread, play some video games, and enjoy the company of good friends before the ceremony. After hours it turns into a karaoke room!

06 The Mezzanine Lounge

This balcony private bar space is located on the 2nd floor and overlooks the ballroom. It has VIP written all over it! It is a wonderful space for a private cocktail hour for you and your wedding party or an extension of your cocktail hour upstairs. Setup a secondary bar and food spread on the 2nd floor to give your guests a “wandering” experience of the building. It has a 1920's club style. Enjoy a performance, private cocktail hour or just get a birds eye view of the party. This room has the best view in the house!

07 The Parlor/Bar

A beautiful multipurpose space used for welcoming guests, cocktail hours, rehearsal dinners, restaurant pop ups, private chef dinners, bridal showers, farewell bunches, baby showers, and other intimate gatherings. Full of character this space is truly magical. The possibilities are endless.

Ready to get started?

Contact us to schedule a consultation with Takk House. We look forward to hearing more about your event!

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