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In the late 1960's, the area had fallen to hard times, with many buildings slated for destruction. Residents banded together to resurrect the area and it was at this time that the neighborhood was officially renamed Boerum Hill, after Simon Boerum who had farmed the area during Colonial times. During the late 60's to early 70's, new residents could purchase one of the lovely brownstone rowhouses for a mere $20,000. Today, they sell for more than half
Most residents are not even aware of the true boundaries of their neighborhood. Boerum Hill begins at Court Street, running east to Fourth Avenue. To the north and south, Schermerhorn Street and Warren Street. The neighborhood holds a distinction for convenience to eleven subway lines (A, B, C, D, F, N, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and the Long Island railroad, all within walking distance. Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill has become an antique buyers oasis, with special events during the warm weather months to draw buyers to the sidewalks covered in antiques. Also, the area has had an explosion of African and Islamic restaurants and crafts, and new high end restaurants and shops like FOUNDATION, which sells home furnishings produced by over thirty artists, many of whom reside in Brooklyn.Temple Square is the home of the Baptist Temple, a Romanesque Revival fortress complete with tower. Its interior includes a 1918 organ designed by J. W. Steere, known as the Stradivarius of the organ. Smith Street, which begins at Atlantic Avenue, and runs south to Hamilton Avenue, has become the new, trendy area of New York City. New York Magazine dubbed Smith Street "the most innovative, exciting restaurant row" in the city.
With funky shops, ethnic food, and collectibles stores, Smith Street is one of the truly, fun areas of the city.
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You never know what you might see on Smith Street!
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When Boerum Hill was developed between 1840 and 1870 on land owned by Charles Hoyt, Russell Nevins and the Gerritsen and Martenese families, the layout of the area was set down for our generation. An 1838 map of the area shows the street layout to be almost exactly what it is today.
