Brownstones are a form of housing that originated in the Victorian era and were often found in urban areas, particularly in the northeastern United States. Brownstones are characterized by their reddish-brown bricks and are typically three or four stories high.
The homes typically feature elaborate detailing, projecting window bays, and interior courtyards. Because they were built by the working class, they were more affordable and provided more space than most other housing options of the time.
Brownstones were largely built during the period of 1860s to 1920, during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, but the style was subsequently revived in cities like New York and Philadelphia during the late 20th century.
Brownstones have become symbols for old-world architecture and a favorite option for buildings in urban areas.
What style of houses are in New York?
New York is home to a wide range of housing styles that reflect its long and storied history. The boroughs of New York City are most known for their famous high-rises, but there are a number of housing styles to be found throughout the state.
Commonly seen in metropolitan areas and upstate cities alike are traditional colonial-style homes and Victorian era residences. Brick-front townhouses are seen throughout the state, especially around the urban core.
Near the Hudson Valley and the Adirondack regions, there are numerous federal and Greek Revival-style homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With the influx of immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you can even find examples of more European-inspired architecture, from French-style houses in the Bronx to Italianate and Tudor-style homes in Queens.
In recent decades, new suburban developments have introduced a different type of housing style, popularly known as McMansions, which feature large houses with multiple stories and large yards. With the wide range of housing styles in New York, you can be sure to find something to fit any budget and taste.
Why are NYC homes called brownstones?
The term “brownstone” is derived from the distinctive brown-colored sandstone, a type of sedimentary rock, that was commonly used as a building material in New York City during the 19th century. As NYC expanded rapidly during this time, sandstone was readily available and affordable, and so it was used extensively as a building material for many private and public buildings, including homes.
The brownstone became particularly popular for residential architecture in the second half of the 19th century, with the brownstone row house being particularly iconic of New York City. Brownstone could be cut and carved in multiple ways, from smooth and sleek styled homes to the more intricate, ornate, and decorated buildings popular amongst the wealthy.
As such, the term “brownstone” has become synonymous with the architecture and aesthetic of late-19th century NYC housing.
Why are brownstones so expensive?
Brownstones are so expensive due to an array of factors, including their popular location, historical significance, and overall aesthetic. Brownstones are primarily found in older, desirable neighborhoods in large cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
In these areas, the combination of a prestigious address, close proximity to city attractions, and maintained historical architecture is a major selling point. Brownstones also often come with unique features, such as fireplaces, detailed decorative railings, and intricate brickwork.
Many homeowners see owning a brownstone as having a connection with the past and a major sign of status.
The cost of a brownstone can vary depending on the location, condition of the house, and any updates or renovations, which can be expensive. Renovating an old brownstone, especially in a desirable location, can be a lengthy and costly endeavor as older homes often require additional structural work and preservation.
Since brownstones are a popular choice due to their rarity, privacy, and overall charm, they come with a much higher price tag than other types of homes.
Do New York brownstones have basements?
Yes, many New York brownstones do have basements. Brownstones are a type of townhouse built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries using brown sandstone, hence the name. They are typically 3 or 4 stories tall and are usually found in the more upscale neighborhoods of New York City.
Brownstones usually have a cellar or basement that often contains storage, mechanicals, and utilities. While some basements may be partially visible from the sidewalk, most entrances to the basements in brownstones can be found from the rear yard.
Basements also often contain work spaces, laundry rooms, and may also be finished as a living area or be used as an apartment.
What’s the difference between a brownstone and townhouse?
Although both are typically three- or four-story dwellings attached to other dwellings, there are some notable differences between brownstones and townhouses.
A brownstone is typically a freestanding building, usually made of sandstone, that has three or four stories. Brownstones are usually seen in larger cities, and they often feature a stoop, or set of stairs, that leads up to the entrance.
Historically, townhouses were referred to as row houses, and were popular during the 19th century in cities like London and New York.
A townhouse is typically two to three stories and is attached to other dwellings on either side. Townhouses usually feature an entrance on one side that leads up to the private residence. Unlike a brownstone, townhouses are usually made of brick or stucco.
Because of their unique style, brownstones often fetch a higher price tag than townhouses due to their special design and historical value. Both townhouses and brownstones have become popular expressions of wealth, and have come to define neighbourhoods in some cities.
What is the oldest brownstone in NYC?
The oldest surviving brownstone in New York City is located at 24 States Street in the Financial District. The building dates back to the 1790s, and it was originally built as a three-story brick row house.
The brick façade was later replaced with brownstone in the 1830s, making it one of the earliest surviving examples of brownstone residential construction in the city. The building has served multiple purposes over the years, from a home for a prominent 19th century merchant family to a tavern and meeting place for Civil War soldiers.
It was even a Park Row Museum at one point. Members of the NYC Landmarks Commission conducted a survey in 1965 which determined the building should be preserved, and it’s been on the list of designated historical landmarks since 1966.
Do people still build brownstones?
Yes, people are still building brownstones as of 2020. Brownstones, also known as rowhouses, have a uniquely elegant style characterized by a traditional look, with a brownish-hued sandstone material used in the exterior walls.
They have been popular in urban cities since the late 19th century, and their popularity has only grown over the years. The term is often used to refer to the long and narrow townhouses found in cities like New York, but the style has spread to other parts of the country, as well.
Brownstones are a favorite of homeowners and developers because of their classic style and easy maintenance. They can be built relatively quickly and inexpensively, which makes them an attractive option for developers who are looking for a way to quickly and affordably add housing to an area.
Brownstones also come in a variety of sizes and styles, so homeowners can find the perfect style to suit their needs.
In addition to their affordability, brownstone homes are also renowned for their unique style and character. They tend to have an old-world charm that can be hard to replicate in modern buildings, making them very appealing to homebuyers.
With more people attracted to brownstones in recent years, there has been an increase in demand for them and a resurgence of this stately yet timeless building style.
Are brownstones always brown?
No, brownstones are not always brown. While many brownstones may appear to be a uniform shade of dark brown, there is actually a great deal of variety. Brownstones come in a wide range of colors—from light beige and light yellow to rust, dark browns, and even black.
For example, some brownstones in New York City are of a distinct russet or reddish clay color, while New England brownstones tend to be more of a sandier shade. These houses often feature decorative accents, such as stone carvings, carved stairs, ornate windows, and scalloped sills.
The color of the stone may depend on the area the home is located in and the type of stone used in its construction.
How is brownstone formed?
Brownstone is formed when sedimentary layers of shale and sandstone become heavily compressed over time. The name ‘Brownstone’ comes from the reddish brown hue that the material takes on due to being exposed to oxidation (the rusting of the iron, magnesium and other minerals within the sandstone).
This hue can range from light tan to deep, dark reddish brown. These sedimentary rocks are formed over millions of years as silt, clay, and other material build up and harden along a seabed or shoreline over time.
Eventually, these thin layers of sediment compact together under immense pressure, forming sedimentary stone. The presence of certain minerals in the stone, such as iron oxide, can lead to the reddish-brown shades that have given Brownstone its name.
Brownstone is often used in construction and is a common material used to create buildings and homes, in addition to other architectural elements, such as fireplaces, steps, and columns.
How many units is a brownstone?
The exact number of units in a brownstone can vary, as brownstones are often privately owned and renovated as needed. Generally speaking, however, a brownstone home consists of 2-4 multi-dwelling units of one to four bedrooms, with each unit having a separate entrance.
Brownstones can also be converted into a single-family residence if desired. With a large enough space, some brownstones can be divided into six or even seven units, while others can be converted into a combination of commercial and residential spaces.
How old are NY brownstones?
The age of a New York brownstone can vary greatly, depending on when and where in the city it was constructed. Generally, brownstones were built most notably between between the mid-1800s to the decision.
They became popular throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century during the years just before and after the turn of the century. From roughly the 1850s to the 1910s, many of the brownstones found in New York today were constructed, with some styles and designs varying depending on the era.
Today, some of the oldest brownstones can be found in Brooklyn and the Upper West Side, which have well-maintained examples of beautiful brownstones dating back to the 1800s.