Brownstone Restoration in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Bobby Contracts Inc. restores brownstone facades throughout Park Slope, from Prospect Park West to the interior blocks near 6th and 7th Avenue — handling spalling repair, stoop restoration, color-matched patching, and repointing for landmarked properties. Licensed and insured with 20+ years of experience, we’ve worked on brownstones across every phase of Park Slope’s historic district. Free estimates available.

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About Us

A Neighborhood Built Almost Entirely of Brownstone

Few Brooklyn neighborhoods have brownstone density like Park Slope. The blocks around Montgomery Place, designed largely by architect C.P.H. Gilbert in the 1880s, remains some of the most intact brownstone rows in the borough — and they’re a good example of why restoration here has to be precise. On a block where nearly every building shares the same material and roofline, one poorly matched repair is immediately visible to anyone walking down the street.

Park Slope’s historic district was originally designated in 1973 and expanded in 2012 to cover additional blocks, which means not every brownstone in the neighborhood carries identical landmark obligations. Confirming exactly what applies to your building is one of the first things we do before recommending a scope of work.

Where We See the Most Damage

Brownstone deteriorates in fairly predictable patterns, and after two decades working on Park Slope’s housing stock, we tend to see the same problem areas repeatedly:

Water infiltration around window sills is the most common starting point — it seeps in, freezes in winter, and the resulting expansion causes the surface layer to spall and flake away. Stoops take a different kind of damage entirely, wearing down from decades of foot traffic and winter salt exposure long before the facade above shows any issues. And on buildings where a previous owner attempted a DIY patch or used the wrong mortar mix, we often find the “repair” caused more harm than the original problem, since hard modern mortar traps moisture against the softer brownstone instead of letting it breathe.

How We Approach a Restoration Project

Assessing what’s actually there. Before any work starts, we document the current condition in detail — this is useful for planning, and it’s typically required if your building needs Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approval.

Matching materials to the block, not just the building. Because Park Slope’s brownstone rows are so visually continuous, we source and mix repair compound to match not just your building’s stone, but the general tone of the surrounding block where possible.

Filing with LPC where required. For buildings within the historic district, we prepare and submit the documentation LPC review requires, and we build that approval timeline into your project schedule rather than treating it as a delay you discover halfway through.

Doing the physical restoration work. This includes spalling repair, stoop rebuilding, repointing with brownstone-compatible mortar, and cornice or detail restoration where applicable.

Sealing and finishing. We apply breathable sealants suited to sandstone specifically, since the wrong product traps moisture and accelerates the same damage it’s meant to prevent.

Services We Provide

Spalling and surface erosion repair

removing and replacing damaged brownstone with color-matched compound.

Stoop restoration

rebuilding treads, risers, and railings damaged by decades of weather and foot traffic.

Repointing

replacing deteriorated mortar with a brownstone-compatible mix that won’t accelerate stone erosion.

Crack and structural repair

distinguishing between cosmetic cracking and signs of deeper movement.

Cornice and detail restoration

Completed work reviewed with you, and with LPC sign-off where required, before the job is considered done.

Waterproofing and sealant application

protective treatment appropriate for sandstone, applied after repairs are complete.

Signs It's Time for an Inspection

If you’re seeing flaking or chipped brownstone on the facade, cracks near window openings, a crumbling or uneven stoop, patchy discoloration from a past repair, or damp patches on interior walls near the exterior, it’s worth having someone look at it before the issue spreads. Brownstone damage rarely stays contained to one small area, and buildings subject to Local Law 11 inspection cycles can face DOB violations if facade deterioration goes unaddressed long enough.

What Working With Us Looks Like

We’ve spent more than 20 years restoring brownstone across Brooklyn, including a significant amount of work specifically in Park Slope’s historic district. Every estimate is written and itemized before work begins — no verbal pricing. We handle LPC documentation and filings directly rather than leaving that process to you, use brownstone-specific mortar and repair compounds rather than generic masonry products, and back our work with a warranty on both materials and labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the estimate really free?

Yes — we inspect the brownstone, walk you through what we’re seeing, and provide a full written estimate with no cost or obligation.

Does my building need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval?

Likely, if it’s within the historic district’s 1973 or 2012 boundaries, but not every property carries the same requirements. We confirm your building’s specific status as part of the initial inspection.

Why does brownstone need different mortar than brick?

Brownstone is softer and more porous than brick, so standard mortar mixes — which are often harder than the stone itself — can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration instead of preventing it.

Can you actually match the color of my block's brownstone?

Yes, this is central to what we do. Original brownstone color varies by quarry source and decades of weathering, and on a continuous row like many Park Slope blocks, matching matters more than it would on a mixed-material street.

Do you handle stoops separately from facade work, or only together?

Either. Stoops often need attention on a different timeline than the facade itself, and we’re happy to scope them independently if that’s what your property needs.