What are Brownstone Houses and Why are They Popular in NYC?

When you are shopping around for your first home, you are likely to hear about a lot of different types of houses that you might consider. If you live in the New York City area, one of those types of houses is a brownstone house. But what is a brownstone and why are they so popular in NYC? Here is everything you need to know about brownstone houses.

1- What is a Brownstone
2- Where Did Brownstones Come From
3- Why are Brownstone Houses Popular in NYC
4- Brownstone House Made of
5- Types of Brownstone
6- Townhouse vs Brownstone
7- Are Brownstones Expensive
8- How to Maintain a Brownstone House
9- Pros of Living in a Brownstone
10- Cons of Living in a Brownstone

 

What is a Brownstone?

Brownstones are townhomes or rowhouses. Brownstones are typically brick structures with distinct windowsills, lintels, and front stoops that are also made of stone. The building must have at least two floors to be called a brownstone. Most brownstones are 3 or 4-storied buildings.

The front stoop is one of the main features of an NYC brownstone house that distinguishes it from others. These stoops were built for function, not fashion; they were intended to make the parlor, or entrance, floor much higher than street level, which was, at that time, filled with horse dung. Building these stoops helped keep the parlor floor clean.

Another distinctive feature of brownstones is the softness of their architecture, which enhances the ease with which they can be shaped into different styles while still keeping their distinctive features.

Where Did Brownstones Come From?

First and foremost, we should identify and clear up the common misconception that brownstones are always built with brownstones.  The reality is only a tiny part of the building may have brown bricks.

A townhouse made of bricks and a layer of brownstone on the building’s façade is where the term “brownstone” is derived. Brownstone is actually sandstone and too soft to use in building construction.

The source of the material that gives brownstone houses their signature look is mainly Portland Brownstone Quarry, previously located in Portland, Connecticut. The building material was transported to New York City via the Connecticut and Hudson Rivers and stored in yards along the Hudson and East Rivers.

Although it is called brownstone, it was initially pink in color when the first cut. It turns brown over time.

Why are Brownstone Houses Popular in NYC?

The obsession with brownstone houses in NYC began in the mid-19th century. Romantic classicism triggered Americans’ obsession with brownstone houses, followed by the artistic movements that emphasized the importance of nature.

Moreover, during the Industrial Revolution, buildings went up in the city at a feverish pace, also largely due to romantic classicism. The movement was a kind of reminder that nature is not only essential but desirable as part of our everyday lives. Improved machinery empowered laborers to work safer, faster, and cheaper, which boosted the construction of brownstones in the city.

In short, the brownstone house in NYC was the perfect combination of urbanization and nature, and at affordable rates.

How Did NYC Brownstone Houses Come to Symbolize Wealth?

The main factor behind the brownstone’s popularity is its affordability. So how, then, did the brownstone become a symbol of wealth?

The Portland Brownstone Quarry permanently shut down in 2012 after three centuries of being the major supplier of NYC’s fine quality brownstone. As a result, the scarcity of the building material catapulted the value and worth of brownstone houses. With that being said, the chances of building new brownstones are now almost zero given the scarcity of the material. And anytime there’s scarcity, there’s high demand and, with it, high prices points. Consequently, brownstone houses have become a  symbol of wealth because only those with money can afford to buy them.

What is a Brownstone House Made of?

Brownstones are made from a kind of sandstone that’s composed mainly of small bits of quartz and feldspar combined with clays, iron oxides, and, sometimes, calcite or silica.

There are Five(5) Types of Brownstone:

1) Apostle Island Brownstone:

This type of brownstone originated in Wisconsin in the mid-to-late 1800s. The first Milwaukee County courthouse was built from this type of brownstone.

2) Portland Brownstone:

This type is commonly recognized as Connecticut River brownstone and was primarily used in Boston, Chicago, Baltimore, New York City, Washington, Connecticut, and Philadelphia for making landmarks.

3) Hummelstown Brownstone:

Various government buildings in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia are built with this type of material. The Hummelstown Quarry in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, was the primary source and supplier of this type of brownstone on the east coast.

4) New Jersey Brownstone:

New Jersey brownstone was once the largest source of brownstone in New Jersey and New York. Passaic Formation in Northern New Jersey is where this Brownstone was quarried.

5) South Wales Brownstone:

This type of brownstone was made popular in South Wales during the Devonian age.

What is the Difference Between a Townhouse and a Brownstone?

Brownstone and townhouses are often used interchangeably, but they are different. A townhouse is a tall narrow single-family residential structure that has at least two floors. Townhouses also share a common wall with the adjacent townhouse. Townhomes are built of marble, wood, limestone, or other materials.

However, if a townhouse has a façade coated with brownstone, it is a brownstone house.

Are Brownstones Expensive?

Yes, brownstones are expensive now, primarily because they are difficult to find now that there’s no longer an active production of brownstone. Another reason behind the higher cost of brownstones is many are considered historic landmarks, which boosts their value.

Brownstone houses in NYC start at around $1.5 million and they only get more expensive from there. However, renters will find brownstone apartments relatively affordable since the building is divided into multiple rental units.

How to Maintain a Brownstone House

To increase the life and value of a brownstone, regular upkeep and maintenance are a must. To this end, the New York State Council on Arts has compiled some guidelines:

• Keep the Gutters Clear: For proper water, drainage gutters must be clear.
• Maintain the Roof: Roof damage must not be ignored, as it can lead to other complications. The roof should be inspected at regular intervals.
• Get Rid of Vegetation: Plants may enhance the beauty of your brownstone house, but too much can be problematic. Plants prevent the building’s walls from drying out, which could cause mold.
• Fill Cracks: Water penetrates walls, windows, doors, and other structures from cracks in the structure. Over time, this will weaken the building structure. Instantly fill cracks with high-quality polysulfide, butyl rubber, or acrylic latex caulk to avoid further complications.
• Maintain Flashing: Metal flashings help protect lintels’ ornamentation, ledges, and other structures from absorbing water. The Brownstone Guide lists lead or lead-coated copper metal sheets as best in preventing corrosion and stains.
• Repoint As Needed: Contract with a mason to repoint any loose, broken, or missing mortar joints. According to the Brownstone Guide, the repointing mortar must be softer and more absorbent than the one currently used in your brownstone home.

Where Can You Find a Brownstone House in NYC?

Brownstones are prominent on the Upper West Side and Park Slope. They’re also popular in Brooklyn neighborhoods, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, and Carroll Gardens.

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in a Brownstone?

Pros:

Charm: The charm and class of brownstones are no doubt one of the best parts of living in them. Wide stoops and long windows make these apartments ideal for enjoying New York neighborhoods.

Neighborhood: Neighborhood blocks lined with brownstones create a unique aesthetic to New York City.

Space: Brownstone apartments are spacious, whether you buy or rent.

Cons:

Lack of Modern Amenities: Brownstones are old buildings, so their interiors are often also old and haven’t been modernized.

Walk Up: Brownstones don’t have elevators – you have to use stairs.

Cost: New York landlords are charging a handsome price for the charm of brownstones. These prices tend to be higher than townhouses or other multi-family buildings.

Final Thoughts

A brownstone house is not just a building made up of stones. It is more than just a building. Brownstone residents sit on a piece of history every time they sit on their front stoops. Consider buying or renting a brownstone if you, too, want to experience a little NYC nostalgia.