Building of the Day: 2 and 3 Pierrepont Place
The BOTD is a no-frills look at interesting structures of all types and from all neighborhoods. There will be old, new, important, forgotten, public, private, good and bad. Whatever strikes our fancy. We hope you enjoy. Address: 2 and 3 Pierrepont Place, between Montague and Pierrepont Streets Name: Alexander M. White and Abiel Abbot Low…
3 Pierrepont Place. Photo by Susan De Vries
The BOTD is a no-frills look at interesting structures of all types and from all neighborhoods. There will be old, new, important, forgotten, public, private, good and bad. Whatever strikes our fancy. We hope you enjoy.
Address: 2 and 3 Pierrepont Place, between Montague and Pierrepont Streets
Name: Alexander M. White and Abiel Abbot Low Houses
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights ( Brooklyn Heights Historic District)
Year Built: 1857
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect: Frederick A. Peterson
Landmarked: Yes
Why chosen: These twin mansions are called the most elegant pair of brownstone mansions remaining in NY by the AIA Guide. They are huge, rich, but architecturally simple homes befitting two of Brooklyn’s most wealthy and distinguished families. Alfred Tredway White, businessman and philanthropist grew up in #2. He was the builder of the Riverside, Tower, and Home Apartments, and Workman’s Cottages, as well as the Japanese Garden at the Botanical Garden. Abiel Low in # 3 (pictured), made a fortune on the Chinese tea trade, but his son, Seth, was one of the great Brooklynites of all time, becoming mayor of Brooklyn, and later greater New York City. A graduate of Columbia College, Seth Low is best remembered as president of that institution, turning the small college into Columbia University, buying its Morningside Heights location, and commissioning Charles Follen McKim to design the campus, including the great Abiel Abbot Low Library, which he paid for himself. Originally, a third mansion, designed by Richard Upjohn stood at #1 Pierrepont Place. That was the Henry Pierrepont mansion, which was torn down in 1946 to create the current children’s playground.
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Uncanny coincidence, MM–I was just walking the Promenade last Sunday and wondering about those 2 ravishing buildings. Thanks for satisfying my curiosity!
There was recently an apartment for rent in 2 Pierrepont Place.. 2 bedrooms with private outdoor space for under 4k. Kinda seemed like a deal. Coulda been a dump, but those buildings are so beautiful.
I second the motion that Low Library at Columbia University is one of the most beautiful buildings anywhere. Inside and out. It is one of the finest products of its age. That rotunda is like something from a great Golden Age. It channels both Augustus Caesar and Thomas Jefferson.
crafty: yes. number Two was the old Don’s house in the original Godfather, and scenes were shot inside and in the rear garden.
It was also in the 1980 version of Gates of Hell, one of the films that often makes “worst movies” lists.
Montrose:
Here’s a tidbit for you.
Seth Low spent one million on Low Library at Columbia — the same amount you tell us Mr. Seamans paid for his Montrose-Morris designed house on St. Marks Avenue.
That must have been one heck of a house.
Low Library remains one of the most impressive buildings in New York.
What must that house been like?
Nostalgic on Park Avenue
I’ve always loved these buildings. The playground adds to the friendly community feeling of the area which without the park and the playgrounds might feel colder and emptier.
Wasn’t #2 and its garden used in the movie “Prizzi,s Honor” as the mob bosses house?
One Pierrepont Place and Two Montague Terrace are the most expensive co-ops in Brooklyn Heights. 1 Pierrepont Street is a different building.
Thank you Montrose for your usual elevating essay.
These houses are gorgeous and survived the 1950’s by the skin of their teeth. Too bad the Pierrepont mansion was lost, but on the other hand, the swings in the playground have the best views of any play equipment in the city.
Sorry to piggyback on the COTD a few days ago, but is 1 Pierrepont really the swankiest address in BH? I have a friedn who lives there who would find that amusing.