5. 200 Lafayette Avenue dates back to the mid-1800s (and possibly earlier)
200 Lafayette Avenue, also known as the Joseph Steele House, is a Greek Revival building that dates back to 1853 (though some think earlier around 1845), with some elements perhaps much older. It is one of the oldest homes in the neighborhood, dating back from when Clinton Hill was just becoming more developed from farmland to residences. It is believed that the small wing is from an earlier Federal-style building, with the main house being built around it. The wooden mansion’s exterior was never altered, making it one of the neighborhood’s architectural gems.
The yellow home’s original owner was Joseph Steele, a resident of Brooklyn Heights. It was first sold to Joseph A. Brick, who was the first president of Brooklyn Union Gas. Nearly 50 years later, it was then sold to Joseph Skinner, whose family still owns it today. In 1968, the home was awarded landmark status.