This morning the Landmarks Preservation Commission landmarked two Carroll Gardens properties, the Hans S. Christian Memorial located at 236 President and the pre-Civil War house at 238 President Street.

“These two properties are distinguished by their architecture and share a great history of education and social reform in Brooklyn,” said LPC Vice Chair Frederick Bland in a press release.

The Hans S. Christian Memorial at 236 President Street was designed in 1897 by architects Hough & Deuell. It was commissioned by Elmira E. Christian, who sought to create a kindergarten in honor of her husband, who had passed away three years prior. In later years, the building was used as a church, until it was sold to the parents of the present owners in 1974.

brooklyn landmarks
238 President Street

Although separated by years, the two structures are complimentary, with Rococo-inspired details. The older building is Anglo-Italianate, and the later building, at 236 President, is Beaux-Arts, according to the designation report.

The latter property is currently on the market, asking $4.45 million. Developer Avo Construction was reportedly in contract to purchase the home earlier this year and replace it with six stories of condos, according to the blog Pardon Me For Asking.

Locals rallied to save the structure, and even Joan Baez wrote a letter in support of designation. Since then, the developers seem to have pulled out of a potential deal and a new broker has the listing.

At a public hearing in June, the only dissenting voice was the attorney hired by the owners of 236 President, who said she had “grave issues and concerns” about the proposed landmarking, claiming the commission had “erroneously” presented a number of factual errors.

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