LPC Designates the First Historic District in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

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Press Release

For Immediate Release: June 25, 2019
Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, 212-669-7938

LPC Designates the First Historic District in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

The Bay Ridge Parkway – Doctors' Row Historic District is a distinguished example of its largely intact early-20th century architecture and historically significant as a "doctors' row."

New York – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the Bay Ridge Parkway – Doctors' Row Historic District, the first in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bay Ridge. This block is a distinguished example of its largely intact early-20th century architecture and historically significant as a "doctors' row."

"This historic district has a strong sense of place that merits its designation as Bay Ridge's first historic district," said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. "The historic district stands out in the neighborhood because of the high architectural quality of the limestone-fronted buildings in combination with the parkway's boulevard feeling, and for its significant association with the historical development of the area, notably as a "doctor's row"."

The Bay Ridge Parkway – Doctors' Row Historic District is a block of 54 row houses on Bay Ridge Parkway between 4th and 5th avenues constructed between 1906 and 1913. Developed primarily by one builder using only two architects, the block was developed with a cohesive appearance overall, predominantly employing the Renaissance Revival style with some elements of the Colonia Revival style. While subtle variations exist between each row of houses, the block architecturally very consistent. The buildings are all two stories tall with a basement and are united by a continuous cornice line, which has been retained by all of the houses. The block still looks very much as it did in the first decade of the 20th century, with the majority of the houses either intact or with minor alterations.

In addition to its aesthetic charm, the block is known for the concentration of medical professionals who have lived and worked there historically and currently, earning it the moniker of Doctors' Row. During the mid-20th century, medical professionals flocked to the block, often establishing their practices in the basement of the row house where they lived. Today, it continues to be a hub for people in the medical profession maintaining a long tradition of doctors and doctors' offices occupying this block as a Doctors' Row.

"History and architecture buffs can celebrate the designation of Doctors' Row as a Historic District," said Senator Andrew Gounardes. "Built at the turn of the 20th century, when transit options were turning Bay Ridge from suburban to urban, this is a great way to celebrate the unique history of Bay Ridge and the medical professionals who have lived here—past and present."

"From day one, I have fully supported the effort to have Doctor's Row landmarked," said Council Member Justin Brannan. "Doctor's Row has long been an important piece of how people in Bay Ridge have come to know, love, and identify with their neighborhood. I am so proud to join residents and local activists in celebration of this community victory. It is an honor to be in office at this time, not only to help facilitate but to simply witness Bay Ridge's very first historic district come to be."

"Designating Doctors' Row will undoubtedly add to maintaining the unique character of Bay Ridge," said Linda Assini, resident of the Bay Ridge Parkway – Doctors' Row Historic District. "We look forward to working with LPC in further expanding Historic Districts status to include other worthy blocks."

"Landmarks designation means we now have an army of preservationist to help us protect the integrity and beauty of Doctors' Row now and for future generations," said Susan Brown, resident of the Bay Ridge Parkway – Doctors' Row Historic District.

"The Historic Districts Council was pleased to work closely with community advocates, CM Justin Brennan and the Landmarks Commission to protect this very special block," said Simeon Bankoff, Executive Director of the Historic Districts Council. "Southern Brooklyn has long been an unrecognized area of New York for landmark designation and we look forward to preserving more of its amazing neighborhoods."

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 1,430 individual landmarks, 120 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 148 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.