Architecture

Crumbling Arts & Crafts House in Midwood Park Wants a Major Makeover

The architect firm that designed Williamsburg’s unusual William Vale Hotel proposes an expansion and semi-restoration of the house.

by Susan De Vries

02/14/2017 0

A dilapidated and unfortunately altered Arts & Crafts style house at 7 Irvington Place in the Fiske Terrace-Midwood Park Historic District could soon be getting a major revamp. The Landmarks Preservation Commission will today consider the owner’s request to restore much of the original appearance of the house while also expanding it.

fiske terrace midwood park 7 irvington place — Proposed alterations.

The house was constructed circa 1913 by architects Slee & Bryson for developer E.R. Strong. Part of the Fisk-Terrace-Midwood Park Historic District, it has suffered some unsympathetic alterations since its original construction, including replacement siding, windows and porch columns.

Architect firm Albo Liberis has submitted a proposal to side the exterior with HardiePlank cement board, expand the footprint of the house and add a third story, move the entrance, and redo the windows. The plan also calls for the demolition of the original garage.

The firm also designed the unusual William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg.

The historic district is made up of what was originally two separate developments, Fiske Terrace and Midwood Park. Both were part of the early 20th century rush of development as railroad and trolley lines began to stretch out across Brooklyn. Developers were quick to buy up former farm land, and soon streets and sidewalks went in and houses went up. The majority of the houses in the area were built between 1903 and 1914.