Building of the Day: 140-142 Clinton Street

Brooklyn, one building at a time.

Name: Row houses
Address: 140-142 Clinton Street, between Joralemon St. and Aitken Place
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
Year Built: 1855
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect: Unknown
Landmarked: Yes, part of Brooklyn Heights HD, landmarked in 1965.

The story: Who doesn’t love these houses? There is something about the stark contrast of white and black, the way they pop on the street that makes them iconic, and very photographable. They are also great survivors, built during the boom days of pre-Civil War Brooklyn Heights. The 1855 city directory lists 5 of these houses, but these two are the only ones still standing. The houses are graciously proportioned Italianates, with stuccoed façades. The familiar Italianate acanthus leaf corbels flank the doors. What separates them from your classic brownstone Italianate are the cast iron cornices and lintels, exuberant floral garlands and elaborate volutes, which are the spiral scroll elements. Some of the detail is lost by layers of paint, but they are still quite striking and amazingly intact. Paint can protect! The Gothic cornice is like a crown on these beauties. The proportions of these houses are just perfect, and even the drainpipes look good. Both houses were for rent off and on in the latter part of the 19th century, advertised for families. One ad for 142 said the house had 13 rooms. When they were occupied, both also were often in need of various kinds of help, like cooks, washerwomen and maids. One Thomas Jarman Middleditch and his wife and child lived in 142 in 1895, when this young lawyer died of heart failure. People come and go, and fortunately, these two houses have been well cared for and maintained. They are probably among the most photographed houses in Brooklyn Heights. Long may they stand.