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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: 129 Joralemon Street, between Henry and Clinton Streets
Name: Daniel Chauncey House
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
Year Built: 1890-91
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Architect: CPH Gilbert
Landmarked: Yes

Why chosen: This house has been a favorite since the first time I came upon it, long ago, walking around in Brooklyn Heights. I could never remember what street it was on, so finding it again and again was always a pleasant discovery. Architect CPH Gilbert was at his best in Brooklyn, if you ask me, and this is one of his few Bklyn buildings not in Park Slope. This forty foot wide mansion sports a riot of detail; arched windows with beautiful stained glass, Classical garlands, porthole windows, oriels and bays, fine stonework, and the sweeping staircase to that magnificent entryway with those baronial doors and their unique and artistic wrought iron hardware, a Gilbert signature detail. I especially love all of the delightful terra-cotta dragons that cavort around the facade. The protruding bay on the left was once echoed by another on the right side, which was removed when the apartment building next door was built. The house now has 32 rooms and 14 apartments. It must have been one of the most spectacular homes in the Heights when businessman Daniel Chauncey, who made his money in real estate and finance, lived and entertained Brooklyn’s society here.