This documentary explores why the classic American brownstone, a desirable housing type today, is almost impossible to build legally in many cities, including Brooklyn. Starting with the 2012 collapse of a brownstone wall on Carroll Street, the video delves into the evolution of building practices, from the specific sandstone quarries in Connecticut to the rise of steel framing and elevators that enabled taller apartment buildings like The Dakota and Rockefeller Center. A key turning point was the 1926 Supreme Court case, Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., which legalized zoning by building type rather than race, leading to widespread single-family zoning that effectively outlawed denser housing like brownstones. Despite a revival of interest in brownstones by the 1960s, the ability to build new ones has been hampered by outdated regulations, parking minimums, and the decline of traditional masonry skills, making it legally and practically challenging to replicate these beloved homes.
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
Something wrong with this post? Let us know!
