Tineisha L. Sulker: October 2012

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Brownstones are one of the most attractive attention grabbers in New York City. Unfortunately the ones that are built now will be the last of its kind. The Portland Brownstone Quarries owned by geologist Michael Meehan, has closed its doors. The last of its supplies should be depleted by the end of the month. The stone is being replaced with a type of cement because of durability. Some preservationists are making an effort to savor a piece of what is left.

George Heckel who works with stone fabricators in New Jersey said, “We’re all scrambling to grab that stone.”

Old House Journal

Although there are many people who are sad to say goodbye to the beautiful brownstones, that’s not the case for everyone. One man wasn’t so thrilled about the stones to begin with.

Timothy Lynch, executive director of the New York City Buildings Department’s forensic unit, said, “I remember a quote saying it was the worst stone ever quarried.”

Brownstones first arrived in New York around the 19^th century. They were actually single family houses that eventually were converted into apartments. The stone which comes from near the Connecticut River was easy to manipulate, because of its soft texture. That was actually a part of the problem because the stone was prone to cracking and flaking.

Andrew S. Dolkart, director of the historic preservation program at Columbia University, said, “By the 19^th century, people were already complaining about this.”

There are other quarries around the world that produce brownstone but experts say they just do not add up to the stone that originated in Portland. Most of the Portland brownstone was used to create majestic and historic buildings in New York.

Andre Dawson, a student at Florida A&M University who is also a proud resident of Harlem New York, said, “Brownstones are the essence of Harlem. If you lived in one, it was something you were proud to have.”

After almost 20 years Mr. Meehan, owner of the quarry, has put his land up for sale. He plans to keep some of the stones for himself. During his retirement he plans to keep building little things like bird baths, benches and so on, just for fun, but he is not looking to make a profit.