It consists of 1,063 largely residential contributing buildings built between the 1840s and 1930 in popular contemporary and revival styles.

The most prominent of these are linked to Charles Pratt, who built a mansion for himself at 232 Clinton Avenue in 1874, the year his Charles Pratt & Company was acquired by Standard Oil, and one each as wedding presents for three of his four sons.

The rest of the historic district is noted for its prominent Italianate and Beaux-Arts rowhouses.

St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 220 Classon Avenue in Clinton Hill, built c.1859, and the Mechanics Temple, which was built at 67 Putnam Avenue as the Lincoln Club in 1889, are both part of the historic district.

Other contributing buildings include churches, schools, a former home for elderly women, and stores.