Maria Rodriguez had been walking past the Tudor-style building on Third Street for nearly a decade, admiring its distinctive architecture and wondering about the people who lived behind those windows. The massive lodge always seemed quiet during the day, but she’d occasionally spot residents tending to the gardens or moving purposefully through the property.
Now, as she reads the news that the Twelve Tribes Northside lodge is officially for sale, Maria finds herself curious about what comes next for this corner of her neighborhood. Like many Ithaca residents, she’s watched this religious community maintain a quiet presence in the area while operating their popular Yellow Deli downtown.
The sale represents more than just another real estate transaction—it’s a significant shift for both the religious community and the Northside neighborhood that’s called this property home for years.
A $1.5 Million Decision Shakes Up Northside
The Twelve Tribes of Israel has officially listed their expansive Northside lodge for $1.5 million, marking a major change for the religious group that has maintained a presence in Ithaca for years. The property at 119 Third Street spans an impressive 11,000 square feet and sits on 0.70 acres of prime Northside real estate.
“This is definitely one of the more unique properties to hit the market in recent memory,” said local real estate observer Jennifer Hayes. “The size and configuration make it unlike anything else currently available in the area.”
The Tudor-style building functions as a multi-unit complex, housing 17 bedrooms across four separate units. The property also features communal gathering spaces, two commercial-grade kitchens, and extensive storage areas—all designed to accommodate the community lifestyle that the Twelve Tribes has maintained.
County assessment records value the property at $1.02 million, making the asking price of $1.5 million a notable markup that reflects both the current market conditions and the unique nature of the facility.
What Makes This Property Stand Out
The Twelve Tribes Northside lodge isn’t your typical residential listing. The property’s specifications tell the story of a building designed for communal living and large-scale food preparation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Square Footage | 11,000 sq ft |
| Lot Size | 0.70 acres |
| Bedrooms | 17 total |
| Units | 4 separate units |
| Kitchens | 2 commercial-grade |
| Assessed Value | $1.02 million |
| Asking Price | $1.5 million |
The property’s unique features create both opportunities and challenges for potential buyers:
- Commercial kitchens suitable for large-scale food service
- Multiple gathering spaces for community events
- Extensive bedroom capacity for group housing
- Tudor-style architecture with historic character
- Prime Northside location with established neighborhood ties
However, the property’s current zoning presents limitations that any buyer will need to navigate carefully.
Zoning Challenges Create Uncertainty
The reality of redeveloping the Twelve Tribes Northside lodge isn’t as straightforward as the impressive square footage might suggest. Current zoning restrictions significantly limit what future owners can do with the property.
“Most commercial uses would require city approval, which adds complexity to any development plans,” explained zoning specialist Robert Chen. “Buyers need to understand these limitations before making offers.”
The restrictions mean that potential purchasers face several scenarios:
- Maintain residential use within current zoning guidelines
- Apply for zoning variances for commercial operations
- Navigate the city approval process for alternative uses
- Work within existing permits for any current commercial activities
These zoning challenges could significantly impact the property’s market appeal and final sale price. Developers looking for quick commercial conversion opportunities might find themselves disappointed by the regulatory hurdles.
The Twelve Tribes’ experience with these restrictions likely influenced their decision to sell rather than expand their operations at this location.
Financial Troubles Behind the Sale
The decision to list the Twelve Tribes Northside lodge comes against a backdrop of financial challenges that the religious group has faced in recent years. Public records reveal that a foreclosure filing was initiated against the property in 2022, though it was subsequently canceled.
“When you see foreclosure filings, even ones that get canceled, it usually indicates some level of financial strain,” noted financial analyst Patricia Moore. “The sale could be a strategic move to address those concerns.”
The gap between the assessed value of $1.02 million and the asking price of $1.5 million suggests the group is hoping to extract maximum value from the sale. This pricing strategy could help address any remaining financial obligations while providing capital for other ventures.
The Twelve Tribes continues to operate the popular Yellow Deli in downtown Ithaca, which has become a recognizable part of the local dining scene. The sale of the Northside lodge might allow the group to focus resources on their remaining Ithaca operations.
Community Impact and Neighborhood Changes
For longtime Northside residents, the sale of the Twelve Tribes lodge represents a significant change to their neighborhood’s character. The property has been a quiet but consistent presence in the area for years.
Local resident Tom Williams has lived across the street for eight years. “They’ve always been good neighbors,” he said. “Kept the property well-maintained and never caused any problems. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next.”
The sale opens up several possibilities for the neighborhood:
- Conversion to traditional residential apartments
- Development of a bed-and-breakfast or boutique hotel
- Transformation into co-housing or intentional community space
- Commercial redevelopment pending zoning approvals
The outcome will largely depend on which type of buyer emerges and their vision for the property. Given the zoning constraints, residential developers or groups seeking communal living arrangements might be the most realistic prospects.
The timing of the sale, in early 2026, puts it in a real estate market that’s still adjusting to post-pandemic changes in housing demand and commercial space utilization.
The Twelve Tribes’ Ithaca Legacy
While the Twelve Tribes has faced scrutiny over various aspects of their beliefs and practices, their presence in Ithaca has been marked by their operation of the Yellow Deli, which has garnered a loyal following for its sandwiches and distinctive atmosphere.
The group disputes allegations that have been made against them over the years, maintaining that they operate as a peaceful religious community focused on simple living and mutual support.
“Their deli has always been popular with locals and students,” observed longtime Ithaca resident Sarah Johnson. “Whatever people think about their beliefs, they’ve contributed to the local food scene.”
The sale of the Northside lodge doesn’t necessarily signal a complete departure from Ithaca, but it does represent a scaling back of their physical footprint in the community. The focus appears to be shifting toward maintaining their downtown commercial presence while divesting from residential properties.
FAQs
Why is the Twelve Tribes selling their Northside lodge?
The group faced a foreclosure filing in 2022, suggesting financial pressures may have influenced the decision to sell and focus resources elsewhere.
What can buyers do with the property given zoning restrictions?
Current zoning limits commercial uses, so buyers would likely need city approval for most business operations, though residential use remains viable.
How much is the Twelve Tribes asking for the lodge?
The asking price is $1.5 million, which is significantly higher than the county’s assessed value of $1.02 million.
Will the Twelve Tribes continue operating in Ithaca?
Yes, they still run the popular Yellow Deli downtown and haven’t announced plans to close that operation.
What makes this property unique for potential buyers?
The 11,000-square-foot building includes 17 bedrooms, commercial kitchens, and gathering spaces designed for communal living or large-scale operations.
When did the Twelve Tribes first establish their presence in Ithaca?
The group has maintained a presence in Ithaca for several years, operating both the Northside lodge and the downtown Yellow Deli restaurant.
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