By Stella Chung, Robert Godberson, Karishma Malhotra, Masha, Fomitchova

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS

Today, the neighborhood of Heights is known for its historical and architectural charm that developed over the years. Because of its proximity to , has been growing popularity in the recent years. The residents of Brooklyn Heights pride themselves as being America’s first suburb. The emerging gem is home to over 600 historical buildings and City’s first designated historical district. However, designating it as a historical district required tiresome legislative efforts as Brooklyn Heights was seen as a backwater neighborhood until recent years. Originally, It was a Native American settlement known as Ihpetonga. Next came the Dutch who ​ ​ settled mostly next to the waterfront area for practical reasons. In the late 18th century, the area near the waterfront began to industrialize as the American Revolution was in full swing. This is the time when the famous “Four Chimneys House” was constructed which not only served as George Washington’s headquarters during battles but also the house of Hezekiah Beers Pierrepont. Pierrepont was a merchant and land developer ​ ​ ​ from Paris who is known as a founder of Brooklyn Heights. He initially set up a grid-like structure for Brooklyn Heights and invested heavily in the surrounding lands. Many streets in the area were named after wealthy investors who bought out the lands, such as Hicks and Middagh, while others were named after fruits to appeal to buyers.

Many historic wooden homes exist in the area, one of the famous ones known as 64 Poplar which was built by Walt Whitman’s father himself. The Heights is also popular for including architectural styles from every country and period including Renaissance, Gothic, and Colonial styles. The area rapidly began growing in popularity as New Yorkers realized the benefits of living in the suburbs with the convenience of commuting to Manhattan. During this time, there was an abundance of churches being built. They were symbols of luxury and wealth. The most famous one, Congregationalist ​ Plymouth Church, was a place of political gatherings as it was a stop for the Underground Railroad. Additionally, the abolitionist minister of the church invited Abraham Lincoln to come and speak at the church which later facilitated his victory in the election. The luxurious Brooklyn Heights that was home to the suburban commuter evolved with the influx of immigration towards the end of the 19th century. New transportation between the city and Brooklyn Heights attracted the masses and spacious housings were divided into smaller rooms to house the new population. The heavy immigration of that time quickly changed people’s interest in the area and it wasn’t till the constriction of the and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway that the area was revived once again. As construction continued and America was steeped in World War II, a new movement took hold in Brooklyn Heights that was led by educated families and eventually transformed the area into the brownstones loved today during the 19th century. Some notable people who residened in the historic Brooklyn Heights were W.E.B. Du Bois, Walt Whitman, Marilyn Monroe, and John Roebling. W.E.B. Du Bois was civil rights activist and author who dedicated his life to fighting for African American equality in the United States. He protested against Jim Crow laws, lynching, and fought for equality in employment regardless of race. Moreover, he fought for the freedom of African colonies from the

greedy hands of European powers who aimed to exploit the people and natural resources. Another notable figure from Brooklyn Heights was John Roebling, the German born civil engineer behind the Brooklyn Bridge. Furthermore, Walt Whitman and his father both resided in Brooklyn Heights over the course of its history. Walt Whitman was a famous poet who bridged the gap between transcendentalism and realism in American literature. Residing on 64 Poplar Street, Whitman’s famous work Leaves of Grass is an epic collection of his poetry that has been republished multiple ​ times. Another noteworthy figure, Marilyn Monroe, was a famous American model and actress who became a sex symbol during her lifetime. She resided at 62 Montague Street. Also a singer, she still lives on as a pop culture icon that represents the bold and strong-willed female figure. She left behind a legacy of redefining beauty with her famous quotes such as “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be ​ absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring”. The area of Brooklyn Heights has earned every bit of its historic appeal as it is home to many historic buildings. At 82 Pierrepont Street resides the Herman Behr Mansion, a mansion with a shady history since its original construction in 1888. It was originally constructed for the wealthy industrialist Herman Behr but later transformed into the Palm Hotel when the family moved upstate. In its later years, it secretly became home to a brothel according to an urban legend. Its appeal comes not only from its turbulent history, but also its representation of Romanesque Revival styles of architecture thanks to its architect Frank Freeman. Another historic building was Hotel Margaret, also constructed by Frank Freeman. Destroyed by a fire when someone accidently left the heater on, this building was the area’s first skyscraper. At 111 Lawrence Street stands The Brooklyner, one of the tallest buildings in the borough that has apartments available for rent. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at 75 Livingston Street is a 30 story tower. Designed by architect Abraham J. Simberg in 1926, it is ​ currently part of the Historic Skyscraper District in Brooklyn. Another famous hotel from the area is Hotel Bossert at 98 Montague Street. It stands as a tall representation of Italian Renaissance architecture and held the celebratory party as the Brooklyn

Dodgers won their first and last World Series championship. Originally constructed as an apartment building, it has been home to many Brooklyn Dodger players. The hotel drew some bad publicity when the governor of American Samoa, Charles Armijo Woodruff committed suicide in one of the rooms by hanging himself. The bad streak continued as a month later, former Congressman Thomas F. Magner also died in the building.

Brooklyn Heights Historic District

Key 1) Fulton Ferry Landing ​ 2) Eagle Warehouse and Storage ​ 3) Jehovah’s Witnesses Headquarters ​ 4) Middagh Street, some of oldest homes ​ in the city 5) 19 Cranberry Street, home of Castorini ​ family in Moonstruck ​ 6) Plymouth Church ​ 7) Truman Capote’s home ​ 8) Brooklyn Promenade ​ 9) Herman Behr House ​

For those wanting to explore the area, a walking tour of key landmark buildings may be a fun way to spend several hours learning about the history of the area. Some points of interest include Eagle Warehouse and Storage, the headquarters of The Brooklyn Eagle, a newspaper edited by the famed Walt Whitman from 1846-1848 (#2.) The block of Middagh Street between Willow and Hicks contains some of the oldest

buildings in the city, which date back to the early 1800’s, when Brooklyn Heights was founded. Buildings 31-33 were built in 1820 and served as a men’s hairdressing parlor and a pharmacy, and number 37 on Willow Street is one of the country’s first apartment buildings. Near Pierremont Street, one can find the 1890 Herman Behr House (at the corner of Henry St. and #9 on the map), which has unique terracotta sculptures and served as an apartment building, a hotel, and even a brothel- the Happy Hooker! Lastly, it is worth visiting the Brooklyn Historical Society, (#10,) which houses regularly changing exhibits about the history of Brooklyn and .

Barclays Center

Barclays Center is a large, multipurpose indoor arena, which hosts concerts, conventions, and athletic events. It is home to the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA and the New York Islanders of the NHL. The construction of the arena was proposed in 2004, and intended to be completed by 2006; however, conflicts over negative local impact and a lack of public funding postponed progress on the project until 2010, as there was significant local public concern about the stadium’s environmental impact, and the shutting down of well-established small businesses. However, it was eventually decided that the arena would bring more growth than do damage, and construction of Barclays Center was finally finished in 2012. Its opening was celebrated with a Jay-Z concert in September 2012. Barclays Center is designed by the architecture firm SHoP Architects, and the designs were drawn by architect Frank Gehry. The design evolved greatly over two months: the building was originally proposed as a limited-access rooftop park with an adjacent 620-ft tower, Miss Brooklyn! However, the final design is clearly much more suitable for a public event space. The arena is structured as three articulated bands,

with a facade of 12,000 intentionally rusted steel panels. Some say these resemble scales on a reptile, while others claim this design is intended to be reminiscent of Brooklyn’s brownstone buildings. A large, irregularly-shaped display screen lines the inner side of the oculus. The event space is recognized for having “theater” lighting for Nets games, which illuminates the court and darkens the rest of the stadium, creating a stage-like effect. It is also known for having impressive acoustics for concerts, which may be the reason that, despite initial doubts about its construction, it has come to surpass Madison Square Garden as the highest-grossing venue in the US for concerts, family shows, and other non-sporting events. As hockey season and basketball season approach, many games will be taking place here, so one can look at the arena’s schedule to get tickets to one of many upcoming big sports events.

Dumbo, Brooklyn

Dumbo, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights consisting of the areas greatest restaurants, bars, attractions, and scenic spectacles. The area is unique in the sense that in combines all of the elements that Brooklyn lovers and tourists alike love to experience. Positioned below the iconic

Brooklyn Bridge, the Dumbo area gives off an enclosed and exclusive vibe, all while encompassing some of greatest food and shops in all of the Borough of Brooklyn. A mere stroll from the end of the Brooklyn Promenade, and couple hundred feet above the Brooklyn Bridge park, DUMBO is the epicenter of tourist action in Brooklyn Heights. Here you can find renowned restaurants such as The River Café, Grimaldi’s Pizza, and Julianna’s. All three of these places are beyond exclusive, and you won’t be able to enter any of them without waiting on entrance lines or making a reservation. On the more casual side, you can find cute spots such as Superfine, Miso, and the famous Shake Shack. While walking around the DUMBO area is impossible for your eyes not to fall upon a captivating height or entrancing view. From the landscape of the east river and lower Manhattan, to the dazzling architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge floating above you, and the brick stone design of every building, DUMBO is a visual spectacle. In the area you will encounter everything from families of tourist’s to stylish Brooklyn natives simply looking for a quick bite to eat or a cute spot for an Instagram photo. The area is surrounded by boutiques and small business thriving in this center of art and beauty. From the elevated views to the masterful array of food and culture, DUMBO is an area impossible to ignore when visiting Brooklyn Heights.

Brooklyn Borough Hall

Built in 1846, Borough Hall originally served as City Hall, containing offices for the mayor and city council. Inside the building, there was also a jail and courtroom. It wasn’t until 1898 that Brooklyn City Hall became Brooklyn Borough Hall, as a result of the unification of the five boroughs. The building was constructed by Gamaliel King, a well-known commercial architect at the time. It was built off Greek influences; this is reflected through the grand columns and use of marble. Now, the building serves as home to the Brooklyn Borough President, where political gatherings and decisions are made. The building is an officially recognized New York City landmark. It is the oldest public building in Brooklyn. With its most recent renewal done in the 1980s, the landmark is polished and gleaming. Actual changes to the original design of the building were never made, so the building still maintains its original, authentic look to this day. The building is open from 8AM-5PM on all weekdays. An event calendar on the building website details specific dates and times when free services are available for the people. It is the heart of Brooklyn’s community outreach and an integral part of the city. When in the Heights, Brooklyn Borough Hall is a must-see destination. The history and life it represents is an opportunity that cannot be missed.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Amidst all the buildings and chaos of NYC, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a utopia for people to get away from the noise. The creation of the waterfront park was an extensive process, taking years of building and adding new parts. Originally a cargo dock owned by the Port Authority, the piers were handed over to the Waterfront Local Development Corporation in 1998 to oversee the construction of a public park. It received funding from the city and state in 2002, and planning began in 2004. By 2010, piers one and six were finally opened to the public and construction would continue to this day. Year by year, new amenities were created and added to the park’s growing size. Playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and even shuffle board were made for the public’s use and enjoyment. The park now extends over 1.3 miles of land, taking up 85 acres. The park frequently hosts free events for people ranging in age. Movie nights, yoga sessions, and star gazing are just some of the typical things one might run into while at the park. There is something for everyone. Whether its basketball, volleyball, handball, or even kayaking, the variety of options is endless. A number of trains pass by the park, so transportation shouldn’t be an issue. Brooklyn Bridge Park is an attraction for both tourists and locals alike.

Cultural Events

Brooklyn Heights is a residential neighborhood, so there are many annual community events that engage the locals to come together and enjoy. This includes: ● Tree Lighting ○ Every year, the community lights up a tree to celebrate the upcoming Holiday season. This year, it will be at the Montague Street Entrance of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. ● Danish Christmas Market ○ The Danish Seamen’s church hold a market every year, offering residents beautiful and unique ornaments and gifts to buy, as well as traditional Danish Christmas foods. ● Harvest Fair ○ For the eighth year in a row, Brooklyn Bridge Park held its harvest fair for children to partake in pumpkin picking, arts and crafts, and games. ● Atlantic Antic ○ The Atlantic Antic is a street festival held annually. For its 43rd year, the theme was “The Pulse of Brooklyn.” There’s food, music, and games for all to enjoy. It takes place on Atlantic Ave between 4th Ave and Hicks St. ● Fourth Window Concert ○ Every year, there’s a musical concert of young performers ranging from ages 7-17 who perform popular music from artists like The Beatles, Billy Joel, and more. ● Free Fridays ○ Once a month, the Brooklyn Historical Society keeps the museum open late and admission free for people to partake in a themed event with activities and discussion.

Works Cited

“Brooklyn Borough Hall.” NYC Citywide Administrative Services, The City of New York, ​ ​ www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/html/about/brook_boroughhall.shtml.

“Brooklyn Heights.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Nov. 2017, ​ ​ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Heights.

Dobbins, Jeff. “A Stroll Through Brooklyn Heights.” Walks of New York, 28 June 2014, ​ ​ www.walksofnewyork.com/blog/brooklyn-heights-brooklyn. ​ “Dumbo, Brooklyn.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Nov. 2017, ​ ​ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumbo,_Brooklyn.

Nevius, James.“How Brooklyn Heights Became the City's First Historic District.”

Curbed NY, Curbed NY, 18 Mar. 2015, ​ ny.curbed.com/2015/3/18/9982438/how-brooklyn-heights-became

-the-citys-first-historic-district.

“New York, NY Events & Things To Do.” Eventbrite, ​ ​ www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--brooklyn-heights/events/.

“Park History.” Brooklyn Bridge Park, NYC.gov, ​ ​ www.brooklynbridgepark.org/pages/history. ​

Image Credits

- http://huntconstructiongroup.com/projects/arenas/barclays-center/

- http://www.barclayscenter.com/assets/img/about-1170x450-d9c047de75.jpg ​ - (last photo of Barclays Center is taken by Masha Fomitchova)

-Robert Godberson (Photographer)

-www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--brooklyn-heights/events/.

-en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumbo,_Brooklyn.

-Photo: Wendy Connett / Alamy Stock Photo (Brooklyn Heights neighborhood)

- “Four Chimneys House” Photogrpah from http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/self-guided-brooklyn-heights-tour/

- “Intersection in Brooklyn Heights” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Heights