Building of the Day: 284 Clinton Avenue
The Building of the Day 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: 284 Clinton Avenue, between DeKalb and Willoughby avenues Name: Former William W. Crane House Neighborhood:…
The Building of the Day 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: 284 Clinton Avenue, between DeKalb and Willoughby avenues
Name: Former William W. Crane House
Neighborhood: Clinton Hill (Clinton Hill Historic District)
Year Built: 1854
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival, with facade re-shingled around 1884
Architect: Unknown
Landmarked: Yes
Built when Clinton Hill was a suburban retreat, this classic Gothic Revival villa is a rare gem, both for its style, and for its remarkable good condition. Note the Gothic details on the fence, porch, and in the bargeboard over the entryway.
The house was built for fancy goods dealer William W. Crane, and was probably modernized by new owner, oilman Richard J. Chard, in 1884. By this time, Clinton Hill was a very posh neighborhood, and the new shingles echo the upscale Shingle Style houses being built at this time.
Originally, the grounds for the house extended to DeKalb Avenue. GMAP
Related Stories
Suzanne Spellen, aka Montrose Morris, Is Writing Brownstoner’s First Book
The Amazing Mansions of Clinton Avenue: A Tour of American Architectural Styles (Photos)
Building of the Day: 313 Clinton Avenue
Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
I’ve looked at the Nooney Collection often, but unless I immediately recognise the address, or am specifically looking for someone, I don’t make the connection to real places, if you know what I mean.
Thanks so much for the link in this case, what a great place inside!
The Nooney Collection is an absolute gem. I’ve often wondered why it isn’t referenced more frequently on Brownstoner (or had a few posts devoted to it entirely). Lots of fun for the Flatbush crowd, too. Fantastic picture of MKG in her prime, working out of her home office!
newelyork…I would suspect the Steele house is older and that’s why I’m attracted to it moreso. Also, if I recall, it probably has more yard space surrounding it. It’s not up against another builfing like this one is and, if I remember, does it have agarage???
Thanks for those links.
Oh, and the blocked windows are south . .. waahhh. OK. I will shut up now. It’s a wonderful house that is still standing. (Those 1978 interior photos are amazing.)
Sometimes it’s upsetting to see these houses that were so carefully situated now smashed against another building. Very happy it’s still here, but it’s sad. This house is like a grand mistress, meant to preside . . .
Law and order is scouting the clinton hill mansions, they’re offering $2500 to shoot on stoops.
:Fringe” seems to take delight in brazenly using stand-ins for Boston area locations. The funniest are the varied, but consistent, use of shots of Yale University which are labelled as being “Harvard” – I think it must be some sort of in joke…
ny, thanks for the photos.
Hey! This house was supposed to be in Cambridge, MA – I saw it on an episode of “Fringe”last year.