TONY: So. Portland Best Brownstone Block. Period.
In a surprise upset, South Portland Avenue was awarded the #1 ranking in Time Out NY’s Best Blocks issue. Ever since Charles Lockwood anointed it the best brownstone block in the city, it’s had a special place in consciousness of Brooklynites and architecture freaks, but, as much as we dig it, we were surprised that…
In a surprise upset, South Portland Avenue was awarded the #1 ranking in Time Out NY’s Best Blocks issue. Ever since Charles Lockwood anointed it the best brownstone block in the city, it’s had a special place in consciousness of Brooklynites and architecture freaks, but, as much as we dig it, we were surprised that it was able to take the top spot in the seven-factor model employed by TONY. Guess it’s just another sign of Fort Greene’s rise to city-wide prominence. Other Brooklyn blocks in the Top 10: Montgomery Place between Prospect Park West and Eighth Avenue, Park Slope (6); Coffey Street between Conover and Ferris Streets, Red Hook (8); Columbia Heights between Clark and Pierrepont Streets, Brooklyn Heights (18); and 11th Street between Prospect Park West and Eighth Avenue, Park Slope (20). Any glaring omissions that you can see?
The Rankings: 1-10 [TimeOutNY]
I live in Fort Greene and am proud that So Portland made the grade. However, was there any ention of Polhemus Place in Park SLope between Carroll and Garfield Pl.? It is a special block. Uniform and quiet. One way trafic. Totally intact. Once walked down that block just behind 7th ave on a snowy evening and was in love.
Two words about why we have to love Fort Greene (btw I don’t live there)….Cakeman Raven!
EiNY, I think the same thing all the time when I walk on 6th Avenue between Berkeley and Union. Your description of its atmosphere is perfect. Like it’s from a movie.
And I agree with someone who said they were surprised there were no Lefferts Manor blocks on that list. There’s a reason that neighborhood has had a successful home and garden tour for decades. Maple Street between Bedford and Rogers is like something from a movie too, just like EiNY described his/her fave block.
I live on Washington Park near Myrtle, and I droooool over the places on the next block up btw Willoughby and DeKalb.
I walk the South Portland block (#1) and I often comment to my wife that it is one of the nicest blocks around. I was ecstatic to see it win. Currently there are about 4 houses on that block getting rennovated, so it must be a loud place to live.
However, my rent is going up $100/month this January and another $100/month in January, so I will likely have to move out soon. Fort Greene is my favorite neighborhood in the entire city by far, but as the prices rise I fear the neighborhood will lose its income and racial diversity which make it so great.
I live on Park Place and, while honored to be included, I must agree that I’m surprised to see it on this list. The portion of the block closer to Vanderbilt is more attractive than the end near Flatbush, but there are much prettier blocks in the neighborhood.
petunia, i agree! My vote for #1 is also 3rd street between 8th ave and PPW in park slope. And no, I don’t live there – I’m in greenwood heights. (which is the best neighborhood in brooklyn, IMHO 😉
Even though I live a block away, I find Park btwn. Carlton and Vanderbilt a VERY odd choice, with the subway on one end, the dry cleaner/former head start space on the other, fedders type building in the middle. There are certainly more beautiful PH blocks!
i’m also terribly disappointed none of the blocks in Lefferts Manor made the list. i happen to like Rutland Road between Flatbush and Bedford for its diverse architecture. check out the houses at night when they’re all lit up. they’re gorgeous and charming with so much appeal that reflects the artistic and creative folks who live on that block!
The strangest block? 3rd Place btw Court and Smith. Don’t get me wrong, I live a block away and the neighborhood is fantastic. But this particular block is either a typo or just a screw-up. For one, the block doesn’t hit Smith St., it hits the F/G track, just before it dips below ground for the Carroll St. station. If an elevated train track at the end of the block is a criterion, then it scores high. Why not just say btw Court and Clinton?