An Essential Guide To Brownstone Houses And Why They’re Popular

You may not know what a brownstone house is by hearing the name alone. But when you picture New York City and its unique architecture, brownstones might come to mind. This iconic building type can be seen in many movies and TV shows, including “Sex and the City” and even “Sesame Street,” featuring the tight-knit community feel and the recognizably grand stoops of a brownstone.

So, what makes a house a brownstone, and why are these homes so desirable? Let’s uncover the true meaning of brownstone and how this type of property has become worth millions in today’s real estate market.

What Is A Brownstone House?

Brownstone refers to the brown sandstone material used to construct the facades or “face” of brick row houses. These types of three- and four-story grouped houses can also be known as townhomes since the walls and roof lines are shared directly.

Brownstones began as a city classic in New York and a fascination to many when they were originally built in the 19th century with single, middle-class families in mind. The quintessential grand front stoop served a purpose in the 1800s when horses were the main source of transportation and the streets weren’t as sanitary.

Defining features of a brownstone building include:

• A brown, red or tan stone facade
• A grand stone stoop lifting the entrance to the home above ground level
• Distinct windowsills and open bay windows
• Rounded nooks
• Lintels

What Is A Brownstone House Made Of?

A brownstone home structure is made of brick because brownstone itself is too soft to use in building construction. On the other hand, brownstone is often incorporated into the construction process to coat the fronts because it’s an easy building material to cut and carve. The brown sandstone dating back to the Triassic-Jurassic period – and composed of small grains of quartz and feldspar combined with clays, iron oxides and sometimes calcite or silica – makes up the brownstone that coats the front of these houses.

Most of the brownstone material came from the Portland Brownstone Quarries in Connecticut and was ferried down the Hudson River to New York.

How To Maintain A Brownstone Building

Regular upkeep and home maintenance are a must for increasing the value and life of a brownstone. If you’re looking to buy a house in NYC, the brownstone guidelines set by The New York Landmarks Conservancy include the following:

• Keep the gutters clear for proper water drainage.
• Inspect the roof regularly and repair any damage or roof leaks.
• Fill cracks that could be penetrated by water and weaken building structure.
• Remove vegetation such as climbing ivy that could prevent building walls from drying out and causing mold.
• Have a mason repoint loose, broken or missing mortar joints as needed.
• Maintain metal flashings to help protect lintels’ ornamentation, ledges and other structures to ensure they aren’t absorbing moisture.

5 Types Of Brownstone Houses

During the period when brownstone was first popular, various quarries collectively provided five main types of the material, which we’ll review next.

1. Apostle Island Brownstone

Originating in Wisconsin in the mid- to late-1800s, this brownstone came from a quarry run by Bass Island Brownstone Company and quarries in the Apostle Islands. This brownstone was in great demand and used in the construction of the first Milwaukee County Courthouse.

2. Portland Brownstone

Also known as Connecticut River brownstone, the very popular Portland brownstone came from quarries located in Portland, Connecticut and nearby localities. A number of landmark buildings in Chicago, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, New Haven, Hartford, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., are made up of this material.

3. Hummelstown Brownstone

The Hummelstown Quarry in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, was the largest supplier of brownstone along the East Coast of the United States. Numerous government buildings throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Delaware were built with this type of brownstone.

4. South Wales Brownstone

Hailing from the Devonian Period, this aged sandstone was made popular in Southern Wales.

5. New Jersey Brownstone

This type of brownstone, which came from quarries of the Passaic Formation in Northern New Jersey, supplied most of New Jersey and New York City.

Pros And Cons Of Living In A Brownstone House

If you’re considering living in a historic house like a brownstone, here are some pros and cons you can expect.

Pros

Some of the advantages of living in a brownstone house include:

• Structural quality: Craftsmen of the era were highly trained. The building construction remains high-quality, even if a homeowner might have to do some restoration work after buying a historic home like this.
• Large space: Spacious single-family homes can be hard to find in a major city with little space available. Brownstone units span the entire floor or multiple floors.
• Neighborhood feel: Residents are placed closely together in townhomes or row houses, making it easy to feel like a part of a community. The front stoops also provide a place for easy socialization.
• Charm: Brownstones present charm and class, with wide stoops and long windows creating a unique aesthetic in places like New York City. 

Cons

Some of the disadvantages of living in a brownstone house include:

• High cost: Today, New York landlords charge high prices for brownstones. To illustrate the point, brownstones tend to cost more than townhouses or other multifamily buildings.
• Stairs: Brownstones are walk-ups. There’s no elevator to get to your unit upstairs. 
• Old age: Brownstone buildings are old, which means they can lack modern amenities. Older homes, including brownstones, may not have an updated interior or features like central air.

How Much Do Brownstones Cost?

Brownstone houses in NYC start at around $3 million, which would require a jumbo loan in the case of most buyers. Brownstone apartments are relatively affordable for renters since the building is divided into multiple rental units. It has also become popular for wealthy home buyers in New York to restore these types of homes.

At the time of their creation, brownstone homes weren’t considered luxurious. They were marketed as an affordable alternative to houses built with marble or limestone facades. They’re now expensive due to the absence of an active production of brownstone. Also, brownstones are now considered historic landmarks, which boosts the value of brownstone houses.

Where Can You Find A Brownstone House?

Brownstones are available all over the United States. If you’re looking to buy a house that’s a brownstone, they’re particularly prevalent in major cities such as Boston, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, Connecticut, Philadelphia and mainly New York City. Get in contact with a local real estate agent who can help you find a property that best suits your needs.

If you move to New York, you can find brownstone houses in Harlem, the Upper West Side Manhattan neighborhoods and especially historic parts of the city where costs of living may vary.

The Bottom Line: Homeowners Still Adore The Romantic Classicism Of Brownstone Houses

Clearly, brownstone houses remain a key part of the architectural design in fabled cities such as New York City, Philadelphia and Boston. Although maintenance is important to consider in your budget, these aging homes truly offer city lovers the chance to own an iconic piece of history.

If you’re interested in calling a brownstone your own and stepping onto a grand stoop every day, speak with a Verified Partner Agent of Rocket Homes℠ and get started on the home buying process.