If you have the word “Triassic-Jurassic” on your Tarrant County Tuesday bingo card … you win! Of course, the Triassic-Jurassic Period of history began roughly 250 million years ago (give or take a few years) and ended with the dinosaurs taking a dirt nap.
How this relates to Tarrant County Tuesday is that, during the Triassic-Jurassic era, the sandstone commonly referred to as “brownstone” was created. That brownstone material is found on the exterior of many townhomes which thus have become known as Brownstones … or walk-up attached townhomes.
Bet you didn’t think you were going to get a lesson on geological time periods when you clicked on this article did you?
What is a Brownstone?
Aside from being clad in a brownish sandstone, a Brownstone townhome became en vogue in the 19th Century in the densely populated cities on the East Coast of the United States. Whether they were finished with actual brownstone, brick, or other stones, the term “Brownstone” became synonymous with two- or three-story townhomes that had stairs leading from the street to the main level, which oftentimes was actually the second floor.
One article claims that the main living floor was elevated to the second story of Brownstone townhomes so that the stench of waste and animal excrement wouldn’t waft into the home from the street.
Funny how architecture is affected by oddities of the times isn’t it?
The Texas Brownstone
Built in 2006 by local Fort Worth builder HGC, the 14 townhomes on the 4700 block of Dexter Avenue in the Rivercrest area have always been considered Brownstone townhomes. There might be some stucco and limestone and brick involved in the exterior facades of the homes, but for the locals, they’re Brownstones.
This particular unit at 4708 Dexter Avenue is a three-story, three-bedroom townhome of 2,980 square feet. If you are looking for the ultimate in urban living, a true lock-and-leave dwelling with an air of cosmopolitan dignity, look no further.
This home is an exquisite homage to the East Coast townhomes with high ceilings, quality finishes, and just enough outdoor space to satisfy even the finickiest West Siders of Fort Worth.
The property was designed with the common areas on the first level — a formal dining area, galley kitchen with high-end stainless appliances, and an open living area that looks onto the private courtyard.
The second floor is the entire primary suite.
A large bedroom with a fireplace, elegant primary bathroom, and large walk-in closet make this suite perfect for all ages and stages. One bonus to the primary suite is that the full-sized laundry room can be accessed from the closet.
The third floor of 4708 Dexter Avenue is reserved for two secondary bedrooms and an adjoining and shared bathroom. If you are an empty-nester and don’t have guests or kids visiting, you simply leave the third floor alone and enjoy the main and second floors.
For those who need to let the little furry friend outside from time to time or just enjoy a nice glass of adult beverage during the cooling autumn months, there is the perfect-sized greenspace accessed from the living room that connects to the rear entry garage. Don’t worry about needing any yard equipment, the grass will always be green and will never need weeding as it’s turf.
Come and see this Texas Brownstone townhome at 4708 Dexter Ave. listed by Julie Webber of Williams Trew Real Estate for $699,000.
