1297 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (MLS# 26033333)

1297 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

New Listing

Screenshot_1-7-2026_23034_beacon.schneid

Property Type: Residential Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 3 Square Footage: 3,164 Lot Size (sq. ft.): 80,074 Status: Active

List Date: 7/02/2026 Last Modified: 7/02/2026

Overview

Description

Own an irreplaceable piece of history. Hitting the auction block on July 17, this grand Victorian estate was once the private home of famous early-1900s actress, Katie Putnam. It commands a breathtaking, private wooded ravine corner lot featuring a scenic natural stream--a magical, park-like setting you simply cannot replicate. Inside, the home boasts spectacular architectural character just waiting to be brought back to its full glory. It features a dramatic exterior turret rising from the foundation to the roofline, an impressive grand open staircase, stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and multiple historic fireplaces. This is the ultimate dream project for anyone looking to execute a high-end, top-to-bottom restoration and create a true showstopper. Bring your vision and restore a landmark. Mark your calendars!

Listing Details MLS# 26033333

Location Property Info

County: Berrien
Street #: 1297
Street Name: Colfax
Suffix: Avenue
State: MI
Zip Code: 49022
Zip (4): 5911

General Property Info

New Construction: No
Lot Measurement: Acres
Lot Acres: 1.84
Lot Square Footage: 80074
Lot Dimensions: 317x254
Year Built: 1910
Road Frontage: 317
Garage Y/N: No
Fireplace: Yes
Total Fireplaces: 3
Income Property: No
Total Rooms AG: 10
Total Fin SqFt All Levels: 3164
SqFt Above Grade: 3164
Below Grade Unfinished SqFt: 1732
Building Total SqFt: 3164
Total Beds Above Grade: 4
Total Bedrooms: 4
Full Baths: 3
Total Baths: 3
Main Level Primary: No
Stories: 2
School District: Benton Harbor
Association YN: No
Waterfront: No
Basement: Yes
Below Grade Finished SqFt: 0

Tax Info

Tax ID #: 11-51-0802-0003-00-5
Taxable Value: 52647
SEV: 112100
For Tax Year: 2026
Seller's Annual Property Tax: 3991
Tax Year: 2025
Spec Assessment & Type: none known
Zoning: 401
Homestead %: 0

Remarks Misc

Directions: Napier Ave to Colfax north to Emery east. It is on the corner of Emery & Colfax. Buyer to verify all details.

Waterfront Options

Water Access Y/N: No

More Information

Access Feat

Accessibility Features: No

Upper Rooms

Upper Bedrooms: 4
Upper Full Baths: Yes
Upper Level Square Feet: 1330
Total Baths Above Grade: 2

Main Rooms

Main Full Baths: Yes
Main Level SQFT: 1910

Basement Rooms

Basement Full Baths: Yes
Total Basement SQFT: 1700
Basement Finished SQFT: 0

Location & Property Info

Cross Streets: Emery Ave
Property Sub-Type: Single Family Residence
Municipality: Benton Harbor City

Office/Contract Info

Auction or For Sale: Auction
List Price/SqFt: 0

Remarks & Misc

Public Remarks: Own an irreplaceable piece of history. Hitting the auction block on July 17, this grand Victorian estate was once the private home of famous early-1900s actress, Katie Putnam. It commands a breathtaking, private wooded ravine corner lot featuring a scenic natural stream--a magical, park-like setting you simply cannot replicate. Inside, the home boasts spectacular architectural character just waiting to be brought back to its full glory. It features a dramatic exterior turret rising from the foundation to the roofline, an impressive grand open staircase, stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and multiple historic fireplaces. This is the ultimate dream project for anyone looking to execute a high-end, top-to-bottom restoration and create a true showstopper. Bring your vision and restore a landmark. Mark your calendars!
Legal: THE W 317' OF LOT 3 ASS'OR PLAT NO 2 CITY OF BENTON HARBOR

Water Type

Stream/Creek: Yes

Lot Description

Corner Lot: Yes
Ravine: Yes
Wooded: Yes

Street Type

Paved: Yes
Public: Yes

Sewer

Public Sewer: Yes

Water

Public: Yes

Terms Available

Cash: Yes

Mineral Rights

Unknown: Yes

Laundry Features

In Unit: Yes

Exterior Material

Wood Siding: Yes

Roofing

Composition: Yes

Heat Source

None: Yes

Sale Conditions

None: Yes

Heat Type

Forced Air: Yes
None: Yes

Lower Rooms

Lower Finished SQFT: 0
Total Lower SQFT: 0

Substructure

Full: Yes
Walk-Out Access: Yes

Fireplace

Living Room: Yes
Recreation Room: Yes
Other: Yes

Exterior Features

Scrn Porch: Yes

Patio and Porch Features

Porch(es): Yes

Flooring

Wood: Yes

Architectural Style

Victorian: Yes

Possession

Close Of Escrow: Yes

Property Features

Water Type: Stream/Creek Laundry Features: In Unit Exterior Material: Wood Siding Roofing: Composition Substructure: Full; Walk-Out Access Lot Description: Corner Lot; Ravine; Wooded Sewer: Public Sewer Water: Public Fireplace: Living Room; Recreation Room; Other Heat Source: None Heat Type: Forced Air; None Exterior Features: Scrn Porch Flooring: Wood Patio and Porch Features: Porch(es) Architectural Style: Victorian Street Type: Paved; Public Mineral Rights: Unknown Terms Available: Cash Possession: Close Of Escrow Sale Conditions: None

Room Information

Room Name	Length	Width	Level	Remarks
Kitchen	12.00	12.00	Main
Dining Room	17.00	12.00	Main	Formal
Dining Area
Family Room	17.00	14.00	Main
Living Room	18.00	11.00	Main
Recreation	17.00	12.00	Main
Den	12.00	9.00	Main
Laundry
Primary Bedroom	15.00	12.00	Upper
Primary Bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Bedroom 2	15.00	12.00	Upper
Bedroom 3	16.00	9.00	Upper
Bedroom 4	12.00	11.00	Upper
Bedroom 5
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other

Listing Office: Southwest Real Estate LLC

Listing Agent: Ashlie M Baddley

Last Updated: July - 02 - 2026

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