Building of the Day: 825-833 St. Marks Avenue

Brooklyn, one building at a time.

Name: Rowhouse group
Address: 825-833 St. Marks Avenue
Cross Streets: Corner of Brooklyn Avenue
Neighborhood: Crown Heights North
Year Built: 1884
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
Architect: George P. Chappell
Landmarked: Yes, part of Crown Heights North, Phase 1 HD (2007)

Sometimes the sum of the whole is greater than its individual parts. Such is the case with this group of brownstones designed by the prolific George P. Chappell for Mrs. Eliza J. Smith. The group is a classic ABBA (no, not the singing group) pattern: The two houses on the end are the same, as are the two in the middle. This arrangement makes the group seem like one large house. Today the details are eroded, and the houses have seen better days, but they still have a sturdy elegance. Take a look at the period photo, which shows how much difference a stoop, or four, can make to a streetscape. GMAP