Red Hook: Denise Moves to the Sticks
I’m a lifelong New Yorker and a Brooklyn resident for 13+ years. My boyfriend and I recently set up house in Red Hook. After living in Park Slope for the more than a decade, I jokingly like to say that coming here is our version of chucking it all and moving to the sticks without…
I’m a lifelong New Yorker and a Brooklyn resident for 13+ years. My boyfriend and I recently set up house in Red Hook. After living in Park Slope for the more than a decade, I jokingly like to say that coming here is our version of chucking it all and moving to the sticks without actually having to leave Brooklyn. Aside from the light and openness, impossibly elegant warehouses, and haunting industrial ruins that are among Red Hook’s prize qualities, one of the most profound draws for us is the strong sense of community–something I saw dwindle in Park Slope as the property values shot up and developers eager to cash in fueled what felt like a crushing development/population boom. I’ve found in Red Hook the kind of small town vibe I’ve been missing and like many residents I can attest that once you’ve discovered its charms you can’t imagine living elsewhere.
The startling views from the Beard Street Esplanade are one of the neighborhood’s most potent draws. This Civil War era warehouse (pictured) now home to everything from glass blowers to New York Water Taxi to the Blue Man Group’s costumers is a remnant of Red Hook’s glory days as a bustling maritime center and the cornerstone of its revitalization.
RIP – Patrick Daley
Great pictures! I used a similar shot for my xmas card a few years back. Ever since the days of Al Capone, Red Hook has always been a controversial place. Glad to see the tradition continues.
Lee, buses have solved that issue.
Red Hook is never really going to take off unless the transportation issue is solved. It’s a shame, but that’s the way it is. There’s the whole area that is a 15-20 minute hike to the subway. Whoever can solve that issue somehow will make a fortune. Not trying to be negative, because it’s an area with a lot of potential.
transactions? seems every project in Red Hook gets killed by zoning. Carroll Gardens to Park Slope have seen the buy/ rip down/ put up 8 story crap lux apts. on a block of 4 story buildings.
Red Hook has heard alot of talk, but besides a few warehouse conversions, there has been no real new building at all.
maybe your thinking of Columbia Street?
as for the East/ West debate… get a grip. People who live down here would be the first to stand up for either side. When Fairway opens in the early spring, lets see hopw many Volvos come parading down Van Brunt from the Slope… and make sure you don’t take a right turn too early or YOU COULD END UP SEEING POOR PEOPLE, OHH NO.
i really enjoyed your photos Denise- thanks!
If you think there’s no where near as much construction going on Red Hook as in Park Slope, you must not be following the real estate transactions. Get ready for the entire neighborhood to undergo a large amount of construction.
Well good luck in Red Hook. It will make Park Slope look like child’s play.
The real story of Red Hook is how the banks red lined the entire neighborhood and kept families from borrowing money to make repairs, renovations, ect. Now 30 years later, it’s an up and coming nabe.