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.
Pill Hill Historic District, located between Downtown Rochester and the Mayo Clinic campus, is a historic and residential Rochester neighborhood with hillside streets and early-20th-century architecture. The neighborhood’s character concentrates along 3rd Avenue SW near Saint Marys Hospital, where brick institutional buildings meet quiet blocks of porches and mature trees. Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman homes set a measured streetscape, with stone retaining walls and deep setbacks. Mayo Civic Center adds concerts and conventions a short walk away, while Soldiers Field Park frames the edge with trails and open lawns. For a local coffee stop, Café Steam anchors nearby downtown routines. The pace stays calm, with sidewalks linking medical, civic, and park landmarks.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Offer insights
909 8th St SW · $1,950,000
$1.9M and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $1.9M+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
92 days
The average home goes pending in 28 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
98.7%
Most homes are selling 1% below list price.
About offer insights
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Balcony
Ceiling fans
French doors
Hardwood floors
Kitchen window
Natural woodwork
Security system
Security lights
Sun room
Tile floors
Walk-up attic
Water softener (owned)
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms total
Primary suite with private/ensuite bath
Multiple bedrooms on upper level (several bedrooms listed as Upper)
Bathrooms
1 full bath
4 three-quarter baths
1 half bath
Primary bathroom is a 3/4 and is private/ensuite
Basement bath and upper level 3/4 bath present
Main floor half bath
Kitchen
Cooktop
Microwave
Refrigerator
Freezer
Disposal
Exhaust fan
Eat-in kitchen
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Laundry room with sink on lower level
Flooring
Hardwood floors
Tile floors
Heating & cooling
Boiler/hot water heating
Fireplace heating (two fireplaces)
Central air
Zoned cooling
Exterior features
Stone and stucco exterior
Partial split-rail fencing
Light tree coverage
Public transit within ~6 blocks
Sidewalks and street lights
Home design
Residential property
More than two stories
Sun room included
Parking
Attached garage with concrete floor and floor drain
2 garage spaces
Security
Security system
Security lights
Construction
Block foundation
Roof older than 8 years
Utilities
City water (connected)
City sewer (connected)
Natural gas
Electric service with circuit breakers
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Incredible Pill Hill location and all the character of a historical home, totally renovated with all of the comforts of a modern single family home. Perfect for family living this location is walking distance to the Clinic & Soldier's Field in the most storied neighborhood in Rochester. 6 bedrooms, all 2nd floor, 2 with ensuite baths. Natural stone w/ infloor heat in bathrooms, sunroom. Main level 1/2 bath. Chef's kitchen featuring high end appliances and TONS of storage. 3rd floor has been totally finished and features a gas fireplace, lookout windows & kitchenette area perfect for casual entertaining. Walkout basement has patio access, huge laundry room & bonus family room area along with art project space and a home gym. Hardwood floors, original trim are all gleaming, along with new windows and exterior doors throughout the home. The original Tudor facade is accented by a newly painted original front door. Excellent opportunity for a move-in ready piece of Rochester history.
NORTHSTARMLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #5276642
Dec 4, 2019
Listing Removed
—
Sep 5, 2019
Price Changed
$1,595,000
$201/sq ft
Aug 8, 2019
Listed
$1,649,000
$208/sq ft
NORTHSTARMLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #5141236
Jul 23, 2019
Listing Removed
—
Jun 12, 2019
Price Changed
$1,649,000
$208/sq ft
May 7, 2019
Price Changed
$1,695,000
$214/sq ft
Jan 23, 2019
Listed
$1,750,000
$220/sq ft
NORTHSTARMLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #5051926
Dec 9, 2018
Listing Removed
—
Mar 17, 2009
Listed
$699,900
$88/sq ft
Public Records
Jun 19, 2009
Sold
$699,900
$88/sq ft
NORTHSTARMLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #3659401
Mar 25, 2009
Listing Removed
—
Mar 17, 2009
Listed
$699,900
$88/sq ft
NORTHSTARMLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #SEMN4010327
Mar 17, 2009
Listed
$699,900
$88/sq ft
Public Records
Dec 1, 1988
Sold
$310,000
$39/sq ft
Public Records
Dec 1, 1982
Sold
$235,500
$30/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$26,188 (+8.8%)
$200,000 + $1,453,400
$1,653,400
2025
$24,074 (+13.2%)
$200,000 + $1,311,400
$1,511,400
2024
$21,276 (+8.8%)
$150,000 + $1,329,100
$1,479,100
2023
$19,560 (+8.1%)
$150,000 + $1,207,400
$1,357,400
2022
$18,094 (+12.9%)
$150,000 + $1,020,900
$1,170,900
2021
$16,020 (+7.9%)
$150,000 + $896,600
$1,046,600
2020
$14,852 (+33.3%)
$150,000 + $790,000
$940,000
2019
$11,142 (+7.8%)
$150,000 + $580,900
$730,900
2018
$10,340 (+3.4%)
$100,000 + $580,900
$680,900
2017
$10,000 (+6.5%)
$100,000 + $553,600
$653,600
2015
$9,388 (−5.4%)
$100,000 + $537,500
$637,500
2014
$9,926
$100,000 + $576,900
$676,900
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
6
Baths
4.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.41 Acres
Year renovated
2000
Finished Sq. Ft.
5,576
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
5,576
Year built
1925
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Olmsted County
APN
640223009714
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Sep 28, 2026.
R1
Mixed Single Family District
The R-1 district is intended to maintain and promote areas of low residential density where the emphasis is generally on the development of single-family dwellings of various styles. Uses supportive and in character with low-density residential are permitted. This district also provides opportunities for in-fill development in established areas through the efficient use of the existing housing stock and infrastructure
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Library
Museum / gallery
Death related/funeral home
May 28, 2026 • Final
Residential electrical
Bathroom
Electrical
May 6, 2026 • Active
Residential plumbing
Bathroom
Plumbing
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
2/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 98° expected this year, 14 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Rochester, MN • 55902
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
23
7
31
15
49
29
57
39
69
49
78
60
83
66
77
61
74
56
64
46
45
31
29
15
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
88/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in Rochester. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.9 hrs
5.7 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 909 8th St SW
$1,870,343
$80K under list price of $1.95M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $360K to $1.2M.