The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission has created a new historic district on Linden Street in Bushwick.
Brooklyn's newest historic district is home to a remarkable collection of distinctive row houses designed by Brooklyn architects. The homes represent a highly successful integration of late-19th-century architectural styles and stand out as a cohesive and significant historic streetscape.
“The designation of Linden Street as a New York City historic district is a triumph for the Bushwick community,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez.
“As one of the original six Brooklyn towns, Bushwick's rich history is unfortunately often overlooked. This historic district's striking collection of architecturally significant row houses stands out as an intact and distinctive example of South Bushwick’s late-19th-century development, and its preservation is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our city's heritage. With so few landmarks remaining in Bushwick, lost to fires, gentrification, and speculation, it is all the more important that we protect and celebrate the ones that remain. I am delighted that this harmonious streetscape will be recognized as a landmark for generations to come.”
The Linden Street Historic District is a remarkably intact group of 32 brick and brownstone row houses built between 1885 and 1901.
Developed by Samuel M. Meeker and designed by Brooklyn architects in popular late-19th century styles, the row houses share common features such as continuous decorative cornices and complement each other to create a harmonious historic streetscape.
Built between 1885 and 1901, the row houses were designed in the neo-Grec style by Edward F. Gaylor, the Queen Anne style by Frank Keith Irving, the Renaissance Revival style by Benjamin Finksieper, and an artful combination of the Romanesque and Renaissance Revival styles by Charles E. Palmer.
The ten Queen Anne-style row houses closest to Bushwick Avenue are particularly distinctive, characterized by their extensive use of decorative terra cotta, and include an impressive end house facing the avenue.
“The Linden Street Historic District is the first historic district designated in Bushwick, and advances LPC’s equity goals,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll.
“The district contains some of the most strikingly artistic row houses in Brooklyn and is truly meritorious for its significant architecture, high integrity and a strong sense of place. Today’s action is very important as the agency continues to designate landmarks and historic districts in areas that are not as well represented by designations.”
