Building of the Day: 200 Lafayette Avenue
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: 200 Lafayette Avenue, corner of Vanderbilt Name: Joseph Steele House Neighborhood: Clinton Hill Year Built: main house, 1853,…
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: 200 Lafayette Avenue, corner of Vanderbilt
Name: Joseph Steele House
Neighborhood: Clinton Hill
Year Built: main house, 1853, small wing believed to be earlier
Architectural Style: Greek Revival with Italianate elements
Architects: Unknown
Landmarked: Yes
Why chosen: Arguably the most photographed house in Clinton Hill, the Joseph Steele house is a survivor from when the area was still farms and suburban villas. One could once see the harbor from the widow’s walk and cupola. Many architectural historians believe the small wing is an earlier Federal building upon which the main house was added. The Steele house is prized for being the largest and best remaining example of a wooden suburban mansion in the transitional Greek Revival/Italianate style now standing in any of the five boroughs. The exterior has never been altered, which is amazing. In 1853, the house was sold to Joseph A. Brick, the first president of Brooklyn Union Gas. In 1903, the house was purchased by Joseph Skinner from the estate of Julia Brick, widow of Joseph. When the Clinton Hill Historic District was created in 1981, the house still belonged to the Skinner family, and it still does today. This bright yellow house is one of Brooklyn’s architectural treasures.
my single favorite
I live in a Clinton Ave Mansion a few blocks from this place. My apartment is a rental in what I guess would be considered the back parlor. I want Montrose to come by and tell me more about it! There is so much insane detail that has survived my building’s rough history that I don’t think anyone really realizes is there…even the owner. Montrose please come over and take a look!!
Add me to the list of those fantasizing about this wonderful house. Makes you wonder why no high-end Brooklyn builder has ever thought to build historic replicas (replicas, not Fedders-with-a-lintel) with modern mechanicals, eh?
Here’s a thought for a hot day: My fantasy foundation, built when I have my Bill Gates-worthy fortune, paying people with historic frames to tear off their siding..
I look forward to that post.
Yes, mopar — it takes every ounce of restraint not to rip it all off myself! Some has been removed in prep for window installation in our kitchen area. It’s so cool to see the cedar shingles and clapboards — will post it soon on the reno page.
Their dog is very nice, as is the house of course. I think it’s all a little Gray Gardens, but that is not at all a bad thing.
Abermarle, you are taking the siding off your building? We want to do that too. Love to hear all about it. Montrose, I will email you.
As we passed this house just the night before last, my husband remarked — I hope Montrose Morris makes this a “building of the day” — thanks! All this house-painting talk has me bracing myself for when we take the siding off our place — eek.
I have seen this house painted several times–I believe it was being painted when I moved to Clinton Hill in 1989. It seems to take YEARS! I’ve often thought that by the time they finish, it’s time to paint again. But yes, it’s a great house.