Description Herman Behr Mansion

one of sandstone dragons @ street level on herman behr mansion

the herman behr mansion has been hailed city s finest romanesque revival house , 1 of great masterpieces of romanesque revival design in new york city. has been described 1 of real treats of brooklyn heights, romanesque color-fantasy of salmon brick, terra cotta , rockfaced sandstone crazy animal ornament reminiscent of modern, violent comic books -- grimacing lizards, lions , dragons.

the house 3 stories high, not including basement , attic. six-story extension, not higher original building, added rear of property in 1919 when became palm hotel.

the first floor of mansion finished in undressed sandstone, exception of 1919 extension. rest of exterior constructed of belleville brownstone brick terra cotta facing. entrance accessed broad stone staircase, flanked 2 semicircular towers or bays rise height of third floor each form separate balcony. third balcony on second floor runs between two. each of bays features 3 large bay windows per floor. above , between bays, on third floor, 2 semicircular windows, surmounted single rectangular window in gable, in turn flanked 2 tall chimneys. roof steeply sloped, gabled , tiled. bays @ front of building echoed third, smaller ground floor bay in center of building in henry street.

the mansion shortly after completion, c.1889

the entranceway opens upon lobby finished in mahogany , containing small library , fireplace of scotch sandstone intricately carved mantelpiece. in building s original layout, right of lobby lay large drawing room, 2 thirds of building deep, finished in polished mahogany, panelled ceiling of white , gold. rear of drawing room, separated sliding doors, dining room, finished in oak , red numidian marble fireplace carved oak mantelpiece. library, directly faced building s entrance, finished in cherrywood, domed roof of white , gold, latter color predominating.

to left of entrance, running length of building on henry st. side, parlor, culminating @ rear in servants dressing room, pantries, , staircase leading kitchen in basement. basement level included billiard room, butler s room, servants sittingroom , laundry. second floor contained bedrooms, dressing room , bathroom. woodwork in bedrooms finished in enamelled ivory, , mantels in onyx. third floor contained chamber hall , several smaller rooms. in attic studio, storage space , servants quarters.