Van Vorst Park

Jersey City NJ

Brownstones have made a huge comeback in Jersey City NJ.  The buildings are basically Townhouses with a 6” facade of sandstone which is pink when first cut but turns brown once exposed to the atmosphere.  In its initial conception the brownstone was designed with 2 entrances for a specific reason.  The main entrance was specifically for the owners and their guests to use.  The ground floor entrance was used by workers and staff.  Obviously, the brownstone was a symbol of prosperity and status.  Between World War I and World War ll, apartment living became the symbol of prosperity, and the brownstones became the homes of the middle class.  The large stoops became a place for community where neighbors relaxed and shared information.   Then there was a shift of the middle class from urban living to suburban lawns, leaving many of the classic buildings unattended or poorly maintained.  Now, with the resurgence and growth of Jersey City, the brownstone has once again fallen into favor.  The charm of the brownstone with its architectural details has drawn the attention of the urban dwellers once again.