Browncroft Historic District

Browncroft Historic District is a residential area in Rochester containing more than 500 buildings showing Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Prairie Style designs. The neighborhood features large homes set on spacious, tree-lined properties connected by winding streets.

Charles J. Brown, a nursery business leader, developed this residential district starting around 1914 with a vision of spacious suburban living. The area grew over several decades as a planned residential community with distinctive design and character.

The neighborhood shows how well-off families lived in the early 1900s and shaped the move from city living to suburban areas. The spacious lots and quiet, winding streets reflect the residents' desire for peace and open space away from urban centers.

The district is walkable with quiet residential streets that invite slow exploration on foot. The underground utility lines mean the streetscapes are cleaner and less cluttered compared to many other neighborhoods.

Original wrought iron street signs still mark the intersection of Ramsey Park and Corwin Road, dating back to the district's early years. One house at 273 Dorchester Road retains decorative columns salvaged from the original nursery office building.