Perched atop Rochester’s iconic Pill Hill, the distinguished Dr. William L. Benedict House is a rare opportunity to own one of the city’s most celebrated historic residences. Designed in 1925 by renowned Rochester architect Harold Crawford for the head of Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology, this landmark Tudor Revival home beautifully blends nearly a century of history with the comfort, convenience, and sophistication of modern living.
Set on a private, beautifully landscaped lot in Rochester’s most storied neighborhood the pre-inspected home offers over four finished levels designed for today’s lifestyle. Just a short walk to Mayo Clinic, Soldiers Field, Folwell School, downtown restaurants, and parks, the location combines the charm of Old Southwest with unparalleled convenience.
Inside, original hardwood floors, handcrafted millwork, architectural details, and gleaming historic character have been thoughtfully preserved while extensive renovations have transformed the home for contemporary family living. The spacious floor plan features 5 bedrooms on the second level, including 3 ensuite bedrooms, along with beautifully updated bathrooms featuring natural stone finishes and in-floor heat.
The heart of the home is a stunning chef’s kitchen, remodeled in 2021-2022 with custom finishes, new countertops, backsplash, built-in banquette seating, glass-front cabinetry, abundant storage, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf oven, additional convection oven, and high-end appliances throughout. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the kitchen seamlessly connects to inviting gathering spaces filled with natural light.
The fully finished third floor offers exceptional flexibility with a gas fireplace, lookout windows, kitchenette area, and expansive bonus space perfect for casual entertaining, media, work-from-home needs, or guest accommodations. The walkout lower level provides additional family living space, patio access, a home gym area, creative studio space, generous storage, and an oversized laundry room featuring new double washers and dryers.
Recent improvements ensure peace of mind and turnkey ownership, including replacement windows throughout in recent years, updated exterior doors, fresh exterior paint, professionally cleaned windows, upgraded landscaping and architectural uplighting, refreshed gardens, a new garden deer fence, and the addition of a new ensuite bath and closet. Three separately zoned air conditioning systems, recently serviced mechanicals, and a pre-inspection further enhance the home’s exceptional condition.
Outside, mature trees, brick and stone patios, gardens, play spaces, and private outdoor living areas create a serene retreat rarely found within walking distance of downtown Rochester.
Listed on the Pill Hill Historic Register and lovingly updated for the next generation, 909 8th Street SW represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a move-in-ready piece of Rochester history—where timeless architecture, Mayo Clinic legacy, and modern luxury come together in one extraordinary home.
