It’s Official: Park Slope Historic District is Now the Biggest in the City
City Council just voted to approve an expansion of the Park Slope Historic District, making it the largest historic district in the city. In April, the plan got the approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, but with today’s vote, it’s official: no neighborhood’s got as much history as we do. Or at least, no neighborhood’s got as much protected space celebrating that history.
While the original district focused primarily on the area between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West down to the area abutting Grand Army Plaza, the new boundaries push the protected area further west. With the expansion — the first in 39 years — the historic district now encompasses the area from 7th Street to 15th Street (including the 7th Ave frontage) between 7th and 8th Avenues, as well as the stretch on 15th Street between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West (including the western side of Bartel Pritchard Square).
From the press release via Brad Lander’s office:
The extension recognizes the unique historic character of the South Slope’s brownstone blocks and ensures that the architecture is preserved for future generations. The extension also includes the former Ansonia Clock Works factory, once the world’s largest clock manufacturer, as well as homes built for its workers. This expansion reflects the leadership of the Park Slope Civic Council, which has been unceasing in its advocacy for the neighborhood since 1896, the sustained support of its elected officials, and the involvement of hundreds of homeowners.
Since City Council generally supports the LPC’s decision on such matters, and since the South Slope expansion wasn’t particularly controversial, today’s vote doesn’t exactly come as a surprise. (When the LPC first approved the proposal back in April, the Times ran a piece saying the expansion was a done deal — and essentially, it was.) Still, today it’s official.
Suddenly found yourself in a historic district? Mazel tov! Also, here’s what you should know.
