It's Good To Be The Commandant
Christopher Gray gives it up this week for a “secret secret” of New York City, the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Commandant’s House. Formerly known as Quarters A, the house is one of the city’s finer examples of the Federal style, from the detailing of the roof and cornice to the mantelpieces that dot the house. Originally…
Christopher Gray gives it up this week for a “secret secret” of New York City, the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Commandant’s House. Formerly known as Quarters A, the house is one of the city’s finer examples of the Federal style, from the detailing of the roof and cornice to the mantelpieces that dot the house. Originally built in 1805, the house was added to in 1905 and fell into private hands in 1964. Its most distinguishing architectural feature: An oval dining room said to be modeled on the White House’s Oval Office. In 1872, a reporter from the Brooklyn Eagle commented that he house had “a look that makes one feel that it must be a pleasant thing to be the commandant.” Indeed. Anyone been inside or know who owns it now?
A Federal Style Gem [NY Times]
What does the surgeon’s house look like inside? Supposedly the architect was known for amazing wood details. Did any survive?
Amen to that Shahn and Anon 1:41
Anon 1:41, are you my long lost twin? It’s almost like you are speaking my thoughts verbatim.
The history of the officer’s row and surrounding area is a sad tale of neglect and buck passing. I do know that one of the excuses for lack of development and restoration has to do with the polluted ground (I think lead – maybe some from old bullets, etc.).
Yes, I am talking about the houses barely visible from Flushing Ave. I think the building the farthest down near Gold St (I could be wrong on that Street name) looks like a chapel, or hospital.
Can anyone just go in and get a closer look, or is it totally blocked off? For that matter, how hard is it to get into the Navy Yard anyway? Do you have to have an appointment with one of the businesses in there?
The surgeon’s house and hospital are in the very beginning processes of being restored. The commandant’s house is not in disrepair and, indeed, is privately owned. You are thinking of the houses on admiral’s row, off of Flushing. Those homes were under the auspices of the Army Corp of Engineers, not the city, until recently.
the commandant’s house is privately owned.
According the the acticle it’s privately owned “In private ownership since the Navy Yard closed in 1964, the three-story house can be glimpsed only in bits and pieces — over walls, through gardens and, distantly, past high gates.”
Makes sense that the city owns it. Just like the city streets, which are basically more pot-holes than flat.
You know what boils my blood? LPC is so strict about the shade of black I use on my iron fence, but when the house I’m restoring now was in total disrepair, I mean crumbling before their eyes, where was LPC to save its facade? I don’t mean to sound indignant, but our building was very very very neglected, but is considered in the LPC book one of the “treasures” of brooklyn.
Just goes to show you: only private money can help buildings, but the city sure as hell can leave them to crumble and die.