Landmarks Preservation Commission Designates Bay Ridge’s First Historic District

Bay Ridge finally has its own historic district.

In a unanimous vote this morning, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Bay Ridge Parkway Doctors’ Row Historic District. Less than one block long, it consists of two intact rows of bay-fronted limestone houses on Bay Ridge Parkway between 4th and 5th avenues.

The commission praised the block’s “aesthetic consistency” and hinted that this could be just the beginning of more historic districts in the area. “We did a survey of the larger area and ultimately concluded that this block really does stand out in the neighborhood because of the quality of architecture,” said LPC Chair Sarah Carroll. Now, she added, the commission “has a base for other potential areas of study.”

There are 54 row houses included in the proposed district, which has a history as a doctor’s row. The houses are Renaissance Revival in style (some with Colonial Revival elements) and they were built between 1906 and 1913.

At a public hearing in May, residents and supporters pleaded with the commission to designate the proposed area. “Without designation, there’s no guarantee that this block will retain its beauty for another century,” said Kelly Carroll of the Historic Districts Council.

The designation comes on the heels of Sunset Park receiving their first historic districts last week.

Related Stories

• Residents Talk of Retaining History of Bay Ridge’s Doctors’ Row at LPC Public Hearing
• What Could Be Bay Ridge’s First Historic District Moves Closer to Reality With Unanimous LPC Vote
• Barrel-Fronted Limestone With Details, Updates on Bay Ridge Doctors’ Row Asks $1.499 Million

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