Spring Breaklyn 2010: Boerum Hill

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A black wall with the word "BROOKLYN" illuminated in white capital letters in the center. A tall, rectangular office building stands on a rainy day, with several leafless trees in front. Cars and a yellow taxi drive by on the wet street, and the sky is overcast.

Over the first rainy weekend of Spring Break 2010, lads in tow we trundled up on the Amtrak to spend a few sodden days in Brooklyn.  Having only really been to Brooklyn in a couple of three-hour sittings, we looked forward to digging the scene, as it were.  Our “Nu”Hotel, situated directly across Smith Street from the famous Brooklyn House of D (at left), is on the northern end of the Boerum Hill neighborhood south of downtown Brooklyn.

The streets were lined mainly with older 3-4-story brick walk-up apartment buildings and rowhouses, with ground-floor retail on the north-south Smith Street and Court Street (with the latter moving into the adjacent Cobble Hill).

A rainy urban street scene with cars driving in both directions. Buildings with storefronts and fire escapes line the street. People with umbrellas walk along the wet sidewalk.

A street scene with parked cars and traffic in an urban area. Buildings line both sides of the street under a cloudy sky. A pedestrian and bike route sign is visible on the sidewalk.

As you would expect, the shops featured a great diversity of items for sale, including several bookstores (new and used) and an array of divine eateries, including the delicatessen Mile End and the most recommendable breakfast of Cafe LULUc (the “c” standing for cash-only, now appearing at many fine eateries about the city).

A red brick building with black fire escapes has a store on the ground floor. A red scooter is parked on the sidewalk. A sign reads "Dental Offices," partially visible above the storefront.

There were a few more recent architectural interventions, but the existing building stock is so good-looking it is challenging for the newbies to stand up to them.

A modern building with red brick lower floors and gray upper levels on a street corner. A few people walk along the sidewalk, and a yellow pedestrian crossing sign is visible. Traffic lights and cars are present under a cloudy sky. A row of modern townhouses with red and beige brick facades. Large windows line the buildings, and a "No Parking" sign is visible. A street view of two adjacent buildings. The left building is modern with wood paneling and large windows. The right is a traditional brick building with a black stoop and decorative window frames.

5 Responses to “Spring Breaklyn 2010: Boerum Hill”

    Thayer-D

    I love that last infill photo. I’m not sure what the material is, but it seems to have captured that orange red brick so prevalent there.

    Thayer-D

    Having done my architectural studies in Brooklyn, it’s lovley to see these photos. I love that last infill project, not so much the first two though. The last seems to have a similar texture and detail as the older buildings, but they all seem to fit the rythem of the street.

    Thayer-D

    I love that last infill project, not so much the first two though. The last seems to have a similar texture and detail as the older buildings.

    Thayer

    Having spent my student years in Brooklyn, this brings me back. I love that last infill project, not so much the first two though. The last seems to have a similar texture and detail as the older buildings.

    Thayer-D

    Sorry, seems my e-mails are going through. Can’t wait to see more from my beloved.