James Brown House

History and architecture

Talbot Hamlin, the great authority on American architecture, noted in connection with the Federal style: "New York developed a special type of dwelling... the type is a local one." The James Brown House is a modest survivor of one of these charming, comfortable, small early nineteenth century houses, once abundant in our city. Although occupied by a commercial establishment and altered to suit the tenant, the structure still retains its original gambrel roof, second story lintels and dormers.

This two and one-half story dwelling built in 1817 for James Brown, was originally assessed for the considerable sum of two thousand dollars. The brick front, laid up in Flemish bond, is three windows wide. These second floor windows have stone sills and the splayed lintels have double keystone blocks. There are two dormers set into the gambrel type roof.

The James Brown House is a modest example of an early nineteenth century Federal house with some of its original architectural features that, after one hundred and fifty years, is still serving a useful purpose and it adds charm, intimate scale a provocative change of pace to our city life and pace.