Constructed between 1869 and 1874, the James L .and Lucinda Bedell House is a fine example of the free-standing Second Empire style residence and, until it was altered in March 2005, was the best preserved house in the style on Staten Island’s South Shore. It is the only architecturally distinguished Second Empire frame house in Tottenville that retains its historic form and clapboard siding, The house features such historic details as molded window surrounds, cornices, scrolled brackets, and a two story polygonal bay enriched by recessed panels and molded cornices.