It’s amazing what I’ve learned on this quest. It has forced me to fill in some gaps in my understanding of architecture, land planning and so many other topics.
Recently, while watching a movie with my girlfriend, she commented at a scene, “Brooklyn Brownstone!” I’m a Chicagoan. When I think of Brownstones, I think of Cedar Street, a charming low-rise, affluent residential neighborhood east of Old Town.
So, I did some research. Brownstones are so named because of a particular type of building material – sandstone, first introduced in New York. While Chicago boasts “brownstone-style” townhouses, Chicago introduced Greystones (see following quote from Curbed.com). My hat is off to my girlfriend for educating me. And, in deference, I have included a photo of Brooklyn Brownstones above.
“The Chicago greystone began appearing in neighborhoods like North Lawndale, Woodlawn, and Lakeview in the 1890s. Like its New York cousin, Bedford limestone is both locally sourced—from central Indiana—and named for its color.”
https://archive.curbed.com/2016/6/2/11833698/brownstone-greystone-chicago-new-york-city
During my Disney/Celebration days, I designed a three-story “walk-up” reminiscent of the Brownstone. Moreover, I actually live in a three-story walk-up in Alton, a walkable community in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Product Design is one of my passions. I’ve designed and built hundreds, if not thousands, of townhomes through the years. It is important to me to adhere to established design patterns. However, I readily admit that in current designs, we have not strictly followed our predecessors; embracing, instead, today’s lifestyles and conveniences.
The values of the Brownstone are desirable density and appealing streetscape. The three-story rowhouse, to use the generic label, allows us to tuck the alley-loaded garage in the back, removing garage doors from the streetscape. We must accept stairs, considered an inconvenience by most today. However, with the many low-cost residential elevator products available, we can trade-off this apparent inconvenience.
NewCity is all about new. The Brownstone is preferred for its density. It is loved for its details, both outside and inside. Like all effective design, we must pursue innovation without sacrificing beauty.
