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February 22, 2008

Help finding information on my historic TownHouse

I own a beautiful circa 1910 townhouse in Bay Ridge, and would really love to find out more about the building. I have searched for online sites that could possibly locate this type of information, and also with the department of building, but unfortunately I can not find any details regarding the builders, architect, designs and plans etc. Any ideas where I could possibly find out more information?

Some of my very long term neighbors have very interesting passed down stories regarding their construction. Interestingly enough, the 10 homes occupy one city street block. The 2 corner homes are deeper (20x60) and where supposedly kept for the architect and builder of the homes. The 8 remaining homes are mirror images of themselves, so the homes 5 & 6 from one the end, 4 & 7, 3 & 8 and 2 & 9 are mirror layouts of each other. Sorry for the digressing, but is that a common or known characteristic?

Thanks again all. Love the site, glad I stumbled upon it.

Posted by polatbo at 3:58 PM | Comments (8)

Comments

I think my block has a similar layout. I believe its pretty common with brownstones to have larger buildings on the end (to block off the interior yards) and then alternating house styles.

I havent been able to find that much about my house either so I'd be curious to see what people suggest.

Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at February 22, 2008 4:12 PM

Hi,

I can help you to research the use of tile in your house. My business is ceramic tile restoration and reproduction. Our library of catalogs can go a long way to filling in the history of the manufacturers/artists at work on your house (albeit from afar in the factories).

There is a great history in ceramic tile from this period.

Don
lesperancetileworks.com

Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 4:55 PM

I don't think there is a landmarked area in Bay Ridge, but if you are by chance in one, the Landmarks Preservation Commission as well as the Landmarks Conservancy will have basic info on your house and your block.

It's also cool to get the tax photo of your house from the the city--I think it's through municipal archives and 311 should be able to tell you how to order it. They are from the 30s if I'm not mistaken.

Lastly, check out the main Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza and the Brooklyn Historical Society--both have tons of archival info and you might luck out.

Posted by: tinarina at February 22, 2008 4:57 PM

Thanks for posting all.

Tinarina, I have the tax photo nicely framed. You are right that Bay Ridge does not have any Landmark streets, but two homes have this status.

I will make A Saturday of it down at the library, nothing to lose.

Appreciate the input.

Posted by: polatbo at February 22, 2008 7:57 PM

If you think the architect and builder may have lived in the end houses, it should be easy. You can trace the deed of the house back and find the names of the original owners. When I did the research on my house I went to the courthouse where the deeds are stored as a matter of public record. Once you know your block and lot number (which actually should be in your deed from buying the house) you can trace it back. The tax records should also tell you the block and lot numbers from the end houses so you can trace those. If then you have names maybe the Brooklyn Historical Society would have information on them.

When I went the professional title searchers were very sweet and helped me, and it was really fascinating reading all the old records.

Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 8:04 PM


Hi,

A library search should include a review of the city directories. If you work your way forward and backwards from the construction date, you can "see" the neighborhood through the lens of the business names, family names, and occupations of the residents.

Posted by: guest at February 23, 2008 1:05 PM

You can search the NY PUblic Library's photo archive online, and it is fascinating. You also can order a digital print of anything there--even with a matte and frame, if you like--I got a great shot of my house that way last month:

http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/explore/dgexplore.cfm

This might help:

http://www.lib.umd.edu/NTL/Houseguide/library.html

Also, if you physically GO to the DOB on Joralemon Street with your block and lot number, you can pull the file on your property and should see any permits pulled, plans, sometimes even blueprints. I scored here. In the same building, the city registrar's office has dusty old books with hand-written entries on the ownership of houses.

I would do all of that first, get some names, and maybe then hunt the Brooklyn Eagle online, and the Historical Society. It's all very interesting, although the history was a little sketchy back then unless your house was built/owned by prominent fatcats.... good luck!

And the city

Posted by: Rehab at February 23, 2008 4:45 PM

There were fire maps posted back then which showed locations of boilers and other things. I think the company was Harris Fire maps.

These maps show interesting details of buildings and have other interesting things that you might not be aware of.

Posted by: guest at February 24, 2008 9:57 AM

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