HOUSE HISTORY RULE No. 23 – PARAPETS (1910)

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Brownstone Detectives investigates the history of our clients’ homes.
The story you are about to read was composed from research conducted in the course of one of those investigations.
Do you know the history of YOUR house?

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House History Rule No. 23: “The more elaborate a house’s parapet, the less likely it will survive.”

When you look up to the top of any brownstone, rowhouse, or townhouse, you sometimes see a parapet, an extension of sorts above the cornice which adds a certain grandeur or majesty to any building.

The problem with many of these parapets, though, was their susceptibility to the elements. Over time, they wore, rotted, and simply fell apart. Eventually, these ornate elements of design were removed to prevent further damage to the structural integrity of the houses they graced.

Built by Otto Singer in 1909, these 1-Family brick houses, exist on West 8th St. & King’s Hwy., in Bensonhurst.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Sat., 19 May 1910.
The same row of houses today.


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The Brownstone Detectives

Brownstone Detectives is an historic property research agency. Our mission is to document and save the histories of our clients’ homes. From our research, we produce our celebrated House History Books and House History Reports. Contact us today to begin discovering the history of your home.

Post Categories: 1900-1910, Bensonhurst
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