Building of the Day: 240 Berkeley Place

Brooklyn, one building at a time.

Name: Former James Foster House
Address: 240 Berkeley Place
Cross Streets: Seventh and Eighth Avenues
Neighborhood: Park Slope
Year Built: 1887-1888
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
Architect: F. Carles Merry
Other works by architect: South Congregational Church Ladies’ Parlor, in Carroll Gardens; row houses in Harlem.
Landmarked: Yes, part of Park Slope HD (1973)

The story: Manhattan architect F. Carles Merry designed this house in conjunction with the larger mansion next door, on the corner of 8th and Berkeley. They share similar details, especially the diamond patterned terra-cotta bosses which stud the band above the first story. This is a great house because all of the little details make the whole very pleasing.

The bay, with its curved balcony on the fourth floor, framed with a large arch and large windows, the use of the ashlar limestone on the ground and first floor with its rough edges and color contrasting with the brick and terra cotta, the subtle terra cotta trim on the bay, and the aforementioned boss work, and especially the limestone entryway, with excellently carved foliate trim and the cherub faces peeking out from the leaf work. Even the small attic windows look good. This is one of my favorite Park Slope houses. And, as reader NOP remarked when this was originally posted, the house is the setting for the Ben Stiller movie “Duplex.” GMAP

Originally posted April 23, 2009