@syracusehistory: I had the absolute pleasure of visiting a Dwight James Baum designed home (ahh!) - right here in Syracuse and located on Onondaga Avenue. The owners, Kathleen and Mike were kind enough to let us see inside. Baum has been described as “one of the nation’s greatest architects.” Born near Little Falls, New York, he moved to Syracuse with his family in 1902. After graduating from Central High School, he attended Syracuse University earning his degree in architecture in 1909. Just a few years later, he established his own practice in New York City, where he became known for his distinctive residential designs, particularly in the Riverdale and Fieldston area of the Bronx. As his career took off, Baum’s work extended beyond New York. He designed grand estates and notable buildings in cities such as Cincinnati and Sarasota. His most celebrated commission is the Cà d’Zan - a waterfront mansion built for John and Mable Ringling in Sarasota (of Ringling Brothers fame). Over the years, Baum continued to return to Syracuse for work. His local designs include 105 Sedgwick, 1111 James and institutional projects such as Maxwell Hall and Syracuse Memorial Hospital, now part of Crouse Hospital. This particular home holds more meaning than any other though - Baum designed it for his mother, Alma. His father, Fayette, lived here as well, but the house is always noted as his mother’s home. They moved into the residence in 1921. His father passed away here in 1933, and his mother followed in April 1939. Baum passed away just a few months later in December, 1939. At just 53 years old, he suffered a fatal heart attack while running to catch a bus on West 45th Street in NYC. His body was returned to Syracuse, and he was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. A funeral service was held at Hendricks Chapel - a building he also designed. After their passing, the home changed hands several times before Kathleen and Mike purchased it for $25,000 in 1975. They have called it home ever since. #syracuse

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Friday 16 October 2026 02:06:34 GMT