At 5-7 Front Street, be sure to to see the Long Island Insurance Company building in the Greek Revival style, built in 1834 and possibly New York City's earliest surviving office building. Vinegar Hill, named for the location of the final battle of the Irish Revolution of 1798, was home to many of the dockworkers at the Navy Yard. During World War II, the Brooklyn Navy Yard produced ships at a faster rate than the German U-boats could sink them. The Victory ships became the trucks of the sea, carrying American goods around the world long after the end of the war. Today, the Brooklyn Navy Yard is preparing for a new role - as a movie studio.
Plans are also in the works for a waterfront park to replace the unused docks along the East River.
The rebirth of the waterfront is underway.