Building of the Day: 510 Hancock Street

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: 510 Hancock Street, between Lewis and Stuyvesant Avenues
Name: Private House
Neighborhood: Stuyvesant Heights
Year Built: 1890’s
Architectural Style: Queen Anne/Arts and Crafts
Architects: Unknown
Landmarked: Not yet, being looked at

Why chosen: The 1880’s and 90’s brought a wonderful time of imagination and eclecticism to residential row house architecture. This house is unique on this block, a one of a kind house. I have a personal short list of possible architects who may have designed this: George Chappell, and Magnus Dahlander most immediately come to mind, and both were active in the area. I’m leaning towards Chappell. Whoever did it, it’s a wonderful storybook building, with a totally unnecessary steeply peaked roof detail that nicely adds interest to a basic row house facade. The use of materials here make the design, as well: both smooth and rough cut brick and smooth sandstone blocks, darker brownstone on the left of the roof line, the carved detail above the door, and those tiny studded Gothic window pediments. The window on the top floor looks like it was enlarged at some point, as it does not align with the pediment. It also lost its stained glass transoms. But in spite of some modifications, this is still a great house. The blocks in this area are all filled with fine houses, and will someday be landmarked as part of either Stuyvesant Heights HD, or in their own district.