Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(Brooklyn, NY, Sept. 12, 2003) - The Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP) will conduct a reconnaissance level survey of Wallabout, the historic blocks north of Myrtle Avenue and south of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The project is funded by Preserve New York, a grant program of the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts.

While Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have established historic districts, no such protection currently exists in Wallabout. Last year, the erection of a tall transient hotel on Clermont Avenue spurred local concerns about future development's inconsistency with the low-rise historic rowhouses on the residential blocks. A group of Wallabout residents began to actively look for ways to protect what is there, and avoid new development that is not contextual.

Because Myrtle Avenue borders Wallabout, the MARP LDC felt compelled to assist in its preservation and raise money for the needed survey, with the ultimate goal of pursuing historic district designation. Pratt Institute President Dr. Thomas F. Schutte, who chairs the LDC, said, "It was obvious that our responsibilities do not end where Wallabout begins but that, rather, we share concerns. We know firsthand how important it is to work with our neighbors and joining Wallabout residents simply extends the boundaries of growth and good will." Executive Director Jennifer Gerend added, "Wallabout's preservation can only benefit Myrtle Avenue's revitalization and help local residents protect their neighborhood."

Wallabout was home to an early residential community and directly abutted the former Wallabout Market, once the most popular market in New York. Wallabout Bay is situated in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where the remains of thousands of sailors, from the Revolutionary War were originally found.

The neighborhood contains a large and unusual collection of pre-Civil War houses, including Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival style dwellings. Many of these are wood-frame structures, including several where board-and-batten siding is still visible (a rare feature in New York City). These are complemented by a smaller number of brick- and stone-fronted rowhouses. The early homes stand in an area that became increasingly industrial in the late nineteenth century, and there are several important factory complexes in the area. Together these buildings exemplify the often inter-related histories of Brooklyn's rise as both a residential city and as one of the most prosperous industrial cities in America.

Preservation consultant Andrew Dolkart will perform the survey. Mr. Dolkart is known for his work on national register reports and local historic district surveys.

The Preserve New York Grant Program, a partnership program of the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts, supports outstanding local preservation projects throughout the state. Since 1993, Preserve New York has awarded over $863,000 in direct support to 150 projects.

Contact:
Jennifer Gerend
Myrtle Ave. Revitalization Project LDC
718 230-1689