The BOTD 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
Name: Former William W. Crane House
Neighborhood: Clinton Hill (Clinton Hill Historic District)
Year Built: 1854
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival, with façade re-shingled around 1884.
Architect: Unknown
Landmarked: Yes

Why chosen: 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