Historic LICHUNTERS POINT · LONG ISLAND CITY

THE DISTRICT & ITS HOUSES

Know the architectural details.

Name what you see—from cornices to stoops—so you can ask specific questions about a house’s condition and repair.

3 minute read

Why does material vocabulary matter when buying a historic house?

A façade can combine stone, brick, wood, metal and other materials. Naming the component helps you ask the right inspection and repair question. A style label describes architectural character; it does not establish condition, construction throughout the house or legal use.

Building shape.

The mansard roofSlate lower slope · Paired dormersIllustration of recorded features; not a measured elevation.

  • Cornice

    What to look for
    A projecting element at the top of a wall; brackets may support or visually articulate it.
    A district connection
    The Italianate rows and the Neo-Grec bracket details at 21-22–21-32.

  • Mansard

    What to look for
    A roof with a steep lower slope that can contain an upper story.
    A district connection
    The Second Empire pair at 21-53–21-55.

  • Dormer

    What to look for
    A window structure projecting from a sloping roof.
    A district connection
    The dormers recorded in the mansard pair.

  • Gable

    What to look for
    The triangular upper wall associated with a pitched roof.
    A district connection
    The wood-house group at 21-36–21-40.

  • Bay / bow front

    What to look for
    A projection from the main façade: angular bays and curved or shallow bow forms create different shapes.
    A district connection
    Compare 21-42–21-46 with the 23rd Street row.

Sources: LPC · 1968 designation report, LP-0450 ↗

Entrances and windows.

Stone and balustradeComposition-stone railing · Stone stoopIllustration of recorded features; not a measured elevation.

  • Stoop

    Plain-language meaning
    The exterior steps and landing leading to a raised entrance.
    A useful buyer question
    What is its repair history and what do the approved records show?

  • Balustrade

    Plain-language meaning
    A railing assembly with repeated upright supports beneath a rail.
    A useful buyer question
    Which material is present, and how are the components connected?

  • Areaway

    Plain-language meaning
    The exterior area between the building’s lower level and the sidewalk or retaining boundary.
    A useful buyer question
    How does it drain and how is access maintained?

  • Lintel

    Plain-language meaning
    The element spanning the top of an opening.
    A useful buyer question
    Is there evidence of cracking, movement or corrosion that needs investigation?

  • Sill

    Plain-language meaning
    The lower horizontal element at a window opening.
    A useful buyer question
    Does water shed away from the wall, and what repairs are present?

  • Sash / frame

    Plain-language meaning
    The window’s glazing-holding assembly and the surrounding fixed framework.
    A useful buyer question
    Which parts need repair, and is whole-window replacement actually necessary?

Sources: LPC · 1968 designation report, LP-0450 ↗ · LPC Permit Guidebook · Windows and Doors ↗

Materials and repair.

Timber over a brick baseClapboard · Brick basementIllustration of recorded features; not a measured elevation.

  • Westchester stone

    What it describes
    The designation report’s term for the paired stone-row fronts.
    Why the distinction matters
    Do not silently substitute a different geological or quarry identification.

  • Composition stone

    What it describes
    A manufactured stone material recorded for the stone-row balustrades and yard railings.
    Why the distinction matters
    The façade and railing can require different repair approaches.

  • Terra-cotta

    What it describes
    Fired-clay architectural material used in ornament and inserts.
    Why the distinction matters
    The 23rd Street details deserve material-specific assessment.

  • Repointing

    What it describes
    Replacing deteriorated mortar in masonry joints.
    Why the distinction matters
    Mortar compatibility, joint profile and the source of deterioration matter.

  • Flashing

    What it describes
    Material detailing that directs water away from vulnerable roof and wall junctions.
    Why the distinction matters
    A leak may arise at a junction rather than across an entire roof surface.

  • Clapboard

    What it describes
    Overlapping horizontal wood siding.
    Why the distinction matters
    LPC’s description of 21-34 emphasizes timber and clapboard details.

Sources: LPC · 1968 designation report, LP-0450 ↗ · LPC Permit Guidebook · Restoration ↗ · NPS Preservation Brief 2 · Repointing ↗

Related guides

Sources

  1. LPC · 1968 designation report, LP-0450 ↗Pages 1–3: boundary, hearing and history; pages 3–6: the historical building inventory.
  2. LPC Permit Guidebook · Windows and Doors ↗Window components, assessment and repair/replacement guidance.
  3. LPC Permit Guidebook · Restoration ↗Historic materials, masonry and architectural features.
  4. NPS Preservation Brief 2 · Repointing ↗Masonry-joint terminology and compatible repointing.

WORK WITH LAUREN BENNETT

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Share the house and the details that interest you. Discuss how they fit your plans.

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