6 Popular Architectural Styles in Cobble Hill

Located in northwestern Brooklyn, Cobble Hill has gained a reputation for its picturesque rowhouses and state-of-the-art architecture. Its historical roots and proximity to downtown Brooklyn make it one of Brooklyn’s most desirable places to purchase real estate. Whether you’re new to town or simply passing through, make plans to visit the Cobble Hill Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Here are six of the most famous architectural styles you can look forward to seeing in Cobble Hill.

A stroll through Cobble Hill will reveal many homes in the Greek Revival architecture. This style draws inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome, mainly drawing elements from Greek temples. During this time, Americans were intrigued by classical things, including Roman and Greek architecture. In fact, by the 1830s, Greek temple-fronts were commonplace in New York and served as civic buildings, churches, and wealthy suburban homes. Architects and builders came up with exciting variations of the Greek style, which dominated Cobble Hill from the 1830s through the 1850s. Made of brick, brownstone, or wood, Greek Revival homes in Brooklyn could be rowhouses or freestanding. They were often painted white to resemble the white marble synonymous with stately, important public buildings — a bid to ancient Greek architecture. Because of their simple design and lack of ornate components, the Greek Revival style became popular again in the 1880s.

A few unique qualities set this particular style apart from other architectural styles. This style emphasized symmetry, proportion, and elegance. One of the most defining characteristics is its classical columns, often square or rounded. In addition, the Greek Revival style generally showcases front, side-gabled, or hipped roofs and horizontal board siding and porches. You’ll find many examples of Greek Revival architecture in and around Cobble Hill.

You can also expect to see the Gothic Revival style throughout Cobble Hill. Popular between 1840 and 1880, this style overlapped with the Greek Revival style in its window of popularity. While Greek Revival is known for its simple and minimalistic design, Gothic Revival is the opposite — with a romantic and picturesque design. It draws inspiration from medieval design, unlike the previously popular styles that drew inspiration from classical forms of ancient Greece and Rome.

It’s most well-known for its ornate cathedrals, often boasting castle-like towers, parapets, and pointed arched windows. However, decorative elements, such as roof gables, porches, and dormers, are also standard features of this style. You can also see stained glass windows, a nod to this style’s emphasis on beauty and grandeur. Delicate wooden trim often referred to as “gingerbread,” is another staple of Gothic Revival styles.

Notably, Cobble Hill attracted the attention of two famous 19th-century architects. In 1842, Richard Upjohn designed the Gothic Revival Christ Episcopal Church, located on Clinton and Kane Street. A few years later, Minard Lafever designed the Gothic Revival Strong Place Baptist Church, nestled at DeGraw Street and Strong Place. These historic buildings, which still exist today, are beautiful examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

​​Influenced by the 16th-century Italian Renaissance architecture, the Italianate style dominated America between 1840 and the early 1880s. The style was loosely modeled after the Italian countryside villas and rapidly gained popularity as the United States looked toward a romantic past. The mid-19th century style reached a high point in the 1850s before eventually diminishing in popularity in the 1880s due to financial panic and the subsequent depression. As one of the most enduring architectural styles, the Cobble Hill neighborhood still boasts many Italianate homes, illustrated from modest row houses to regal mansions. It’s worth noting that much of Cobble Hill is a historic district famous for its Italianate-style brownstone and brick row houses. Many of these properties were constructed in the 1840s and are lauded today for their charm and historic appeal.

Italianate houses are easily distinguishable by their square or rectangular shape, the epitome of symmetry. Additionally, overhanging eaves with substantial brackets are a key feature of this style, harkening back to the medieval Italian villas. You can also recognize an Italianate home by its tall, narrow windows. Many windows will have a crown typically in the shape of an inverted “U,” while other window crowns frame the entire window. This style boasts two to four-story buildings built with brick or wood clapboard, subtly sloping hipped roofs, and porches with decorative woodwork.

Popular between 1883 and 1893, the Romanesque Revival architectural style is considered one of the most sophisticated styles of the late 19th century and can be seen throughout the Cobble Hill neighborhood. The Romanesque Revival in America was inspired by the European Romanesque style, a staple in Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries. The first phase of the Romanesque style in America occurred during the 1840s and was primarily utilized for civic buildings.

However, the early stage of the Romanesque Revival style did not gain much popularity with the American people, as the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles flourished during this time. However, in the early 1800s, innovative architect Henry Hobson Richardson reintroduced the Romanesque style to America with a creative twist. He sought to develop his distinct style — involving polychromed walls, sculpted shapes, and arches — and aimed to make it uniquely American. This time, the Romanesque Revival style became common throughout Cobble Hill.

Romanesque Revival architecture is defined by the pronounced round arches and heavy and symmetrical facades. It’s known for its compact plans and blocky designs and for using heavy stone or brick materials. Towers with capped roofs, ornate squat columns, and complicated roofing systems result in a rugged and muscular structure. Due to its massive construction requirements, the style was typically reserved for grand, public buildings, such as civic buildings, train stations, and churches. Additionally, its rigid construction requirements meant it was only obtainable by society’s most elite residents, who could afford residential mansions and urban townhouses.

 

You’ll undoubtedly encounter Neo-Grecian row houses when you explore Cobble Hill. This style was a highly influential architectural style when it hit Brooklyn’s streets at the brownstone era’s peak. This style appeared in the United States in the 1870s and brought grandeur of scale, simplicity of geometric forms, and dramatic use of columns. In many ways, Neo-Grecian was created in opposition to the prevailing Italian-inspired architecture of the time.

The Neo-Grec-style row house has a smooth brownstone front, with a deep cornice and heavy entryway. Unlike the curved and feminine lines of the Italianate ornament, Neo-Grec took an opposite approach with its geometric patterns and precise design. The most striking and distinct characteristic of Neo-Grec brownstone architecture is its incised carved detail. You’ll notice this on window ledges, door frames, and flat surfaces of the building.

As the Romanesque Revival lessened in popularity, the Queen Anne style quickly took place. This style, which reigned in popularity from the mid-1880s through the early 1890s, is well represented throughout Cobble Hill. As the name alludes, the Queen Anne movement originated from the European architectural movement. However, despite its heavy European influence, the local interpretation of this style boasts a uniquely American quality. Architects grew weary of the rows upon rows of Italianate homes, which they believed were too rigid and uniform. The introduction of the Queen Anne style was a breath of fresh air, bringing color and a whimsical feel to the architectural scene.

The Queen Anne style is known for its fluid shapes and forms, using various textures, patterns, and materials with an emphasis on beauty. The steeply pitched roofs, patterned shingles, and colorful designs allow you to spot this style easily. In addition, it’s common for the wood frames to be painted in numerous colors, resulting in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Although this style decreased in popularity in the early 1900s, Cobble Hill is home to many Queen Anne homes that showcase the beauty and elegance of this style.

If you’re looking for homes for sale in Cobble Hill, contact Steven Szczur today. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a forever home, Steven can walk you through the process from start to finish and help you find the right place for you. With years of experience in the real estate industry and deep knowledge of Cobble Hill homes, Steven and his team can help you navigate Cobble Hill real estate to find a house that truly feels like home.