Prospect Heights Historic District v. Atlantic Yards

Prospect Heights Historic District

Prospect Heights Historic District

The designation of the 850-building Prospect Heights Historic District was approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 23, 2009.  I’m a bit late on reporting this, as it’s been a busy stretch for me recently.

Anyway…

It should be noted that this newly created district abuts the proposed Atlantic Yards project on its northern boundary:

Prospect Heights Historic District v. Atlantic Yards

Prospect Heights Historic District v. Atlantic Yards

The Municipal Arts Society (MAS) and the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council (PHNDC) were the primary drivers of this designation, the largest in New York City in two decades.  You can view “Prospect Heights: The Making of an Historic District” video here.

One of my regrets, one that is shared by many others, is that the historic Ward Bread Bakery building, which used to stand on Dean Street between Carlton and Vanderbilt Avenues, was not saved.  It has been demolished by developer Forest City Ratner for its proposed Atlantic Yards development.

Ward Bread Bakery

Ward Bread Bakery

As it stands now, the developer has no plans, nor commitments, to build anything for at least 12 years on the now vacant site.  If it had been saved, the Ward Bread Bakery would have surely been included within the northern boundary of the new historic district.

former Ward Bread Bakery site

former Ward Bread Bakery site

One Response to “Prospect Heights Historic District v. Atlantic Yards”

  1. 47whitebuffalo Says:

    Jimmy Forsyth photo-documented streets and entire communitys slated for destruction in Newcastle during the 50’s and 60s –Britian–I mention this because, you can photograph what might be lost –and hence there would bee a record. Just a suggestion. LUCK

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