What is the Herman Behr Mansion known for?

It is described as one of New York City's finest Romanesque Revival houses and a historical 'crown jewel' property of Brooklyn Heights.

The mansion is located at 82 Pierrepont Street, at the corner of Henry Street, in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City.

Who designed the mansion and when was it built?

The mansion was designed by architect Frank Freeman and constructed between 1888 and 1889 for industrialist Herman Behr.

What has the building been used for over time?

Originally a private residence, it was turned into the Hotel Palm in 1919, used by the Franciscans around 1960, and converted into apartments in 1977.

What is the building used for now?

The building currently houses 26 apartments and includes a garage and an elevator.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Herman Behr Mansion in New York City

What to know

Located at 82 Pierrepont Street at the corner of Henry Street, the Herman Behr Mansion stands as a premier example of late 19th-century architecture. Constructed between 1888 and 1889, the residence was designed by architect Frank Freeman for the wealthy industrialist Herman Behr. It has been lauded as one of the finest Romanesque Revival houses in New York City, characterized by its imposing presence and intricate stonework. The building's purpose shifted dramatically over the following decades. After the Behr family relocated in 1919, the property underwent an addition and was transformed into the Hotel Palm. This hospitality phase lasted for several decades until the Franciscans moved into the building around 1960. By the late 1970s, the mansion had become vacant and was regarded as a white elephant. However, in 1977, a real estate developer purchased the property and converted the historic structure into residential units. Today, the building serves as a luxury residence housing 26 apartments and features modern amenities including a garage and an elevator. This architectural crown jewel of Brooklyn Heights continues to attract admirers of the Romanesque and Queen Anne Revival styles, blending its industrialist origins with its current life as a high-end residential complex.

Visitor tips

Walk around the corner of Pierrepont and Henry Streets to see the full scale of the Romanesque Revival facade.
Bring a camera to capture the intricate stonework and architectural details of the 1888 design.
Since this is now a private residential building with 26 apartments, please remain on the public sidewalk.

Nearby context

The mansion is situated in the heart of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, an area known for its preserved historic architecture and cobblestone streets. Its position at the intersection of Pierrepont and Henry Streets makes it a focal point for those exploring the residential grandeur of this historic district.

Herman Behr Mansion