Building of the Day: 79-81 Decatur Street

Editor’s note: An updated version of this post can be viewed here.

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: 79-81 Decatur Street, between Throop and Marcus Garvey
Name: Clermont Apartments
Neighborhood: Stuyvesant Heights
Year Built: 1900
Architectural Style: French Gothic Revival
Architect: Montrose Morris
Landmarked: No

Why chosen: This fanciful French chateau was built for Stuyvesant Heights’ growing middle class population, at a time when apartment living was becoming popular. Made of brick, limestone and pressed metal trim, the Clermont is Morris’ second and better attempt at French Gothic.

A darker, but similar apartment building by him stands on Clinton Avenue, between Fulton and Atlantic Avenues. The building has a strong street presence greatly enhanced by a 2003 restoration by Danois Architects, PC, and is now an 8 unit co-op building.

[Photos by Suzanne Spellen]