History

State Street Houses Historic District comprises 23 Greek Revival and Italianate rowhouses built between 1847 and 1874. Originally inhabited by merchants working in Manhattan, the State Street Houses were designated New York City landmarks in 1973. In 1980, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places.

On the south side of State Street are 18 houses numbered 290 to 324. Built between 1847 and the mid-1870s, the houses sit three stories high on raised basements, with similar window heights and nearly parallel roof cornices. 304 State Street is a notable exception – its slightly lowered floors and raised ceilings give it an additional story and windows facing only the rear of the house. Each of these houses features a brick façade and a basement of either brick, stucco, or brownstone. In this case, 322 State Street is the exception with a stucco façade, ground-floor entrance, and frame construction on a brick foundation. The original cast iron railings line the sidewalk and stoops of the houses located at 298 to 320 and 324 State Street. The last house built on the block, 324 State Street is unique in that it features a three-sided projecting oriel above the entranceway, likely added after it was originally built to reflect post-Civil War architecture. 

On the north side of State Street are another 5 houses numbered 291 to 299, each one built in 1871. All of these houses have three stories, raised basements, and the original recessed double doors framed by elaborate arched entrances. Almost identical, each of these houses features a brownstone façade, and most of them retain some part of the original cast iron railings along the stairs and yard. Modernized with updated railings, 291 and 299 State Street combine historic and newer architectural elements.

Situated along State Street between Smith and Hoyt Streets, these brick houses with brownstone elements are exquisitely preserved, lending a picturesque aesthetic to the Boerum Hill neighborhood.