Building of the Day: 234 Eighth Avenue

Brooklyn, one building at a time.

Name: Former Charles Neergaard House
Address: 234 Eighth Avenue
Cross Streets: Corner of 3rd Street
Neighborhood: Park Slope
Year Built: 1913
Architectural Style: Neo-Federal
Architect: Aymar Embury
Other buildings by architect: Mt. Prospect Laboratory, Prospect Heights; consulting architect for public works projects for Robert Moses and Parks Department, including Sunset Park Play Center.
Landmarked: Yes, part of Park Slope HD (1973)

The story: This Neo-Federal brick house stands out in a neighborhood mostly filled with brownstone and limestone row houses. It was built for Charles Neergaard, of local Neergaard Pharmacy fame, and designed by architect Aymar Embury, who later gained fame designing for Robert Moses in the 1930s. Locally, he was the architect of the Mount Prospect Laboratory in Prospect Heights. This Princeton-educated architect was also well known as an architect of well-to-do suburban homes on Long Island, some similar to this one.

This is a side view of the house, as the foliage was too dense at the time I took the picture to get a full-on photograph. It has a classic Federal entryway, with white painted columns and a fan light. This white detailing is repeated on the dormers and window frames, which are accented by the black shutters. The house has great curb appeal, and is an important part of the history of Park Slope. John W. Neergaard, grandfather of Charles, was one of the founders of the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy, so the Neergaard tradition of pharmacy in Brooklyn is an old one. GMAP

(Originally posted 05/18/10)