2 Union St Schenectady

Isaac I. Yates Dwelling House
 
Isaac I. Yates purchased two lots from the estate of James Murdoch in 1833.  The deed description notes that Murdoch had purchased the property at #2 Union St. in 1803 from Henry and Elizabeth Glen, who had owned a house on the lot since the 1750s.  Murdoch was residing in the house at the time of his death in 1812, and the house was subsequently destroyed in the Great Fire of 1819.  Yates constructed the present house in the Greek Revival style between 1833 and 1841, and was living there when entries were complied for the Schenectady Directory and City Register of 1841-42.  Significant features include the classical entrance surround with engaged columns and wrought iron railings.  The brick façade is laid up in Flemish bond with painted brownstone window and door lintels.  The cornice appears to have been altered at a later date with Gothic Revival elements.