[ITP: Modern Artifacts] Brooklyn Commons - Historical Research

Downtown Brooklyn

First Congregational Church / NYU Wunsch Building

Originally inhabited by Lenape Native Americans until the 17th century
City was home to many prominent abolitionists, safehouses as part of the Underground Railroad movement
- Protests over the planned demolition of some of these historic sites
- First Congretational Church in the commons — originally a stop on the Underground Railroad, now the NYU Wunsch Building
Walt Whitman lived at Willoughby and Myrtle Avenues
Brooklyn incorporated into an independent city in 1834 due to its growing commercial, industrial, and residential presence
- Third largest central business district in NYC
Historically, downtown Brooklyn was primarily a commercial and civic center
2004 Rezoning —> $9 billion of private investment and $300 million in public improvements
More than 14000 residential units have been added since 2014
- Went from 9-5 to 24/7 community
- Tall luxury towers
  - “many of which include affordable housing” — 420 units (according to wikipedia)
- Tax abatements for people who buy apartments
Buying and rental prices are rising — median rent for one-bedroom apartment is $3744/month
Foot traffic is 60-70% of what it was before the pandemic
- Many small businesses are loosing shops due to gentrification
NYU expanding it’s presence in the area, Tandon School of Engineering

MetroTech

NYU buildings around the Brooklyn Commons

Demolition of over 100 homes and 50 businesses when it was created
16-acre rectangle, entire area was designated a pedestrian zone
In 2018 Brookfield Properties purchased the MetroTech complex and renamed Brooklyn Commons
- Privately owned public space
Hosts events including concerts, health fairs, chess tournaments, holiday celebrations, theater performances, ice-skating rink, and children’s activities
Jay Street is the most accessible subway station (?!)

Terms

Gentrification - the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process