Nov 1 Building of the Week - Unicorns and Rainbows

All over Flatbush, wooden houses are being demolished at an unprecedented pace. The few remaining houses are like "unicorns".  But we like to leave you with a rainbow shining through the clouds, so we're also presenting a beautifully restored (even though not landmarked) frame house.

1935 Bedford Avenue 
Currently the lone survivor of four freestanding wooden houses on Bedford Avenue between Fenimore and Hawthorne streets, this 1904 one family house was designed by Benjamin Driesler for local developer Thomas Radcliffe. The pair also built  the two houses (now demolished) across the street. As our earlier posts detailed, a great deal of the neighborhood both in and to the south of Lefferts Manor was built by Driesler, who might be called the godfather of PLG. A large stable was built behind the house by architect JC Walsh, who designed other free standing houses near this one.

We are not certain who built the fourth house, at 1931 Bedford Avenue, but it was most likely the same developer and architect, who were responsible for several similar houses in the vicinity.

At this point, this house may actually be THE last wooden house on Bedford Avenue throughout Flatbush, as two large houses on the corner of Lenox were also demolished.

Photo: Lory Henning, 2017

139 Winthrop Street

Renovated about a year or so ago by the family who lived there,  the 1970's vinyl siding and faux stone were removed and replaced with more historically appropriate painted shingles. Great curb appeal! 

Before (Photo: Lory Henning)                   After
The house is one of six similar frame houses on the block built between 1905-6.