This mansion is one of the finest Greek Revival residences In all the five Boroughs. Sited on a corner lot so that its admirable proportions can be viewed to advantage, this mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival brick and stone house is imposing in size and impressive in appearance. The austere looking, almost square three-story and basement building has dignity and serenity in its measured scale and classic orderliness. The house was built at a time when the area was rural farm country and and its original owner, John Rankin, an affluent merchant, had a magnificent view of the bay from his home.
*Excerpt from the Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report