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.