400 Franklin Place
This Queen Anne-style Victorian was built in 1887 and was the residence of New York merchant Benjamin O. Bowers. The original address was 24 Franklin Place before the numbers were changed. This home retains the majority of its historic charm and is one of the few houses in the district that features a porte-cochère. In 1930, the estate was sold and converted into a funeral home, complete with an embalming station in the basement, until it was repurposed as a house of worship. The front wrap-around porch showcases extensive decorative spindle work, while balconies projecting from the third floor on the front and sides of the home are supported by intricately detailed brackets. The home retains its original slate roof along with decorative inset terracotta panels on the second floor. It is believed that 313 and 340 Franklin Place were designed by the same architect, as evidenced by their similar detailing, scale, and size.
