Definition
Brownstone is a term that defines a type of townhouse developed extensively during the nineteenth century, often built in an urban context. These homes are generally recognized by their decorative brown sandstone facades, a material that was widely available and popular during the era. They typically include 4 or 5 stories and feature a prominent entrance stoop leading to the main floor. Brownstones are typified by sharing side walls with adjacent houses in a row of similar structures, aiding in the efficient utilization of narrow city lots.
Examples
- New York City Brownstones: Particularly famous in Brooklyn neighborhoods like Park Slope and Bedford-Stuyvesant and the Manhattan areas of the Upper West Side and Harlem.
- Boston Row Houses: Found in districts such as Back Bay and Beacon Hill, showcasing uniform, mid-19th-century architectural styles and materials.
- Philadelphia Townhouses: These structures line various historic sections of the city, including Society Hill and Rittenhouse Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What distinguishes a brownstone from other types of townhouses? A: Primarily, a brownstone is built using brown sandstone, which provides it a characteristic appearance. Additionally, its features, such as having multiple stories and a stoop leading up to the main entrance, are typical attributes setting it apart from others.
Q: Why were brownstones so popular in the 19th century? A: They were inexpensive to build using readily available brownstone, durable, and the row house design made efficient use of urban plots while providing substantial living space.
Q: Are brownstones still constructed today? A: Modern replicas and renovations of existing brownstones are common. However, the original brownstone material has largely been replaced due to its depleted sources and the advent of modern building materials.
Q: Can brownstone properties be modernized while keeping their historic charm? A: Yes, numerous restoration experts specialize in updating brownstones with modern amenities while preserving their historical features, such as the distinctive facade and interiors.
Q: How does the value of a brownstone compare to other residential properties? A: Generally, brownstones are highly valued, especially in prime urban locations due to their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and robust construction, often commanding premium prices in the real estate market.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Stoop: A small staircase ending in a platform and leading to the entrance of a building. Commonly seen in urban row houses like brownstones.
- Terraced House: Similar to brownstones but often found in European cities. These houses are part of a set of identical homes that share side walls.
- Row House: A type of housing similar to brownstones lined in a row, with connected side walls forming a continuous block.
- Facade: The exterior face of a building, commonly the front designed with architectural detail in a brownstone.
- Gentrification: The process of revitalizing urban neighborhoods, often connected to the rise in property values and the renovation of properties like brownstones.
- Historic Districts: Areas designated for their historical significance, often featuring homes like brownstones that are preserved and maintained under specific regulations.
Online Resources
References
- Glaeser, Edward. “Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier.” Penguin Books, 2011.
- Jackson, Kenneth T. “Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States.” Oxford University Press, 1985.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Brownstone: A Biography of a Tenement” by E.L. Doctorow
- “New York Brownstone” by Charles Lockwood
- “Great Houses of New York, 1880-1930” by Michael C. Kathrens
- “City Houses and Brownstones: The Architecture and Development of New York City Property in the Early Twentieth Century” by Andrew Alpern
Real Estate Basics: Brownstone Fundamentals Quiz
