Hamilton Park: Historic Staten Island Community
Hamilton Park, situated in Staten Island’s New Brighton neighborhood, holds a significant place in the area’s history, boasting a rich architectural heritage. Notable among its features are three historic homes: the Pritchard House and the Hamilton Park Cottage, both dating back to the mid-19th century.
Established in 1853 by Charles Kennedy Hamilton, Hamilton Park is one of Staten Island’s earliest suburban residential parks, with streets like Harvard Avenue, Franklin Avenue, Park Place, Highview Avenue, and St. Mark’s Place bearing witness to its historical importance.
The architectural landscape of Hamilton Park encompasses a diverse array of 18th and 19th-century homes, many of which are recognized as historic landmarks. Designed in the 1860s by German-born architect Carl Pfeiffer, additional residences contributed further to the neighborhood’s unique charm.
The Hamilton Park Cottage, one of New Brighton’s oldest residences, reflects the influence of Andrew Jackson Downing’s romantic landscape designs. It not only holds significance in urban planning history but also serves as a prime example of a brick Italianate cottage, located at 105 Franklin Ave.
Constructed in 1853 for C.K. Hamilton, the Pritchard House is a striking brick Italianate mansion adorned with stucco and stone accents. Standing at two-and-a-half stories, it boasts a rectangular layout with a gabled wing projecting from the southwest corner, featuring round-arched windows. The grand hipped roof, supported by paired brackets, commands attention atop the main structure, located at 66 Harvard Ave.
Initially secluded from surrounding streets until 1886, Hamilton Park’s winding carriage roads still evoke its storied past. Despite modern architectural developments, traces of its historic pathways endure, offering glimpses into its rich heritage.
While the entirety of Hamilton Park has not been designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, its allure persists, providing residents and visitors alike with a captivating window into the history of Staten Island.
