LPC Designates A New Historic District In Brooklyn

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2018

CONTACT:
lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, (212) 669-7938

LPC Designates A New Historic District In Brooklyn

This historic district represents the diverse cultural and economic history of Boerum Hill, as well as its largely intact 19th century architecture.

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the Boerum Hill Historic District Extension in Brooklyn. Encompassing residential blocks and an important commercial corridor, this historic district represents the diverse cultural and economic history of Boerum Hill, as well as its largely intact 19th century architecture.

“I am delighted the Commission designated the Boerum Hill Historic District Extension,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Executive Director Sarah Carroll. “These streetscapes are characterized by wonderful rows of intact mid-19th century buildings that are cohesive and consistent in style, materials and typology, and complement the historic character of the Boerum Hill Historic District.”

The Boerum Hill Historic District Extension consists of approximately 288 buildings in three distinct areas and is directly adjacent to the existing Boerum Hill Historic District designated in 1973. The western section includes the blocks of Dean and Bergen streets between Smith and Hoyt streets; the northern section includes the portion of Atlantic Avenue between Hoyt and Nevins streets, and Pacific Street between Hoyt and Bond streets; and the eastern section includes blocks of Wyckoff and Bergen streets between Bond and Nevins streets.

The blocks included in this Extension share a similar development history to the Boerum Hill Historic District. Developed in the mid to late 19th century, the Historic District Extension was built for a diverse community of laborers, business owners and commuters in light of its proximity to the South Brooklyn waterfront and the Gowanus Canal, and the importance of Atlantic Avenue. Its architecture is representative of this period of development. The single-family row houses and row house-scale residential buildings with historic storefronts dating from the 1850s to the 1870s were mostly designed in the Greek Revival and Italianate styles. More eclectic styles appeared in the 1880s, including a row of Second-Empire-style houses on Bergen Street, and neo-Grec-style apartment buildings scattered throughout the District Extension. These largely intact streetscapes contribute to the neighborhood’s character and sense of place.

“I commend the Landmarks Preservation Commission for their work on the extension of the Boerum Hill Historic District,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “The addition of all three areas of the historic district will allow for the preservation of the aesthetic, character, and charm of historic Boerum Hill.”

“The Boerum Hill Historic District Extension is a treasured local gem and affording it this designation will preserve its storied architecture for generations to come,” said Congress Member Nydia M. Velázquez. “I applaud the Landmarks Preservation Commission for taking this step and will continue working to ensure the preservation of this historic area.”

“I am thrilled to hear that Boerum Hill's historic district has been expanded. I have lived in Boerum Hill for 35 years, I served as the Boerum Hill Association President in the 1990’s, and now I’m proud to represent the neighborhood in the Assembly,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon. “Over the years I have seen Boerum Hill change and grow, and I am glad that the historic and beautiful buildings that make up this diverse community's sense of space will be protected and preserved.”

“The Boerum Hill Association is pleased the Landmarks Preservation Commission recognizes the significance of these additional blocks and the importance of preserving them,” said Howard Kolins, president of the Boerum Hill Association. “By adding more residential streets to our current district and also a portion of Atlantic Avenue, a very special commercial zone, we will further protect our neighborhood’s historic character.”

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About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 36,000 buildings and sites, including 1,412 individual landmarks, 120 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 143 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.