Conclusion

The study area has maintained an early 19th century, low-scale residential architecture both inside and outside the historic districts, one of the main goals of the original designation reports . However as this study has demonstrated, the area has also maintained robust, low-scale commercial street corridors along Court Street, Smith Street, and Atlantic Avenue, speaking to other typologies' resilience to change throughout the 20th century in the area. The continued presence of these typologies - particularly historic and historicized storefronts along Atlantic Avenue, Smith Street, and Court Street, are indicative of the community's investment and interest in these typologies. The material fabric and authenticity of these varied storefronts, the prevalence of mixed-use typology, and the community’s hard work in keeping these types of typologies alive indicates that although not recognized by the historic district designations of either Cobble Hill or Boerum Hill, central to the identity of the neighborhood. Many of these historic storefronts are not within the district, which suggests that community engagement is a key area to tap into when attempting to maintain the historic aspect of neighborhoods.

The area is also defined by its cultural history, and we feel that previous landmarking has not sufficiently recognized this. The various patterns of immigration mentioned in the reports have impacted the architecture, typologies, and types of businesses that make up the area today, again leading to a unique neighborhood setting. While there are architectural features that bear evidence of these patterns, there is no formal recognition of them.

From a materials standpoint, it appears that designation of the historic districts has had a particularly positive effect on the material condition and integrity both inside and outside of the historic districts. Materials such as wood and brownstone have suffered - partly due to replacement over the course of the 20th century, and partly because of the more rapid deterioration of brownstone as compared to more durable materials such as brick. Though our recommendations urge that better care be taken of these dwindling materials, the replacement of brownstone with stucco does not negatively impact the signifiance of the area - rather it is an acceptance of the limited lifespan of materials in an urban environment and proof of an effort to maintain the character of the neighborhood - again, proof that the community is particularly involved and concerned with the aesthetics and character of the area. On average the architectural forms have been respected and maintained, though as observed, there are a farily large number of historicized storefronts compared to original storefront fabric. Similarly to the materials comments made previously, this is more an indication of the community caring about the character of the neighborhood - which makes this study area so important. In reality, much of the maintenance is due to the designation of the historic district and the interest and activism of the community.

As has been noted however, the historic districts, though clearly helpful in some ways, are not actively working on affordability or other socioeconomic matters (such as the difficulties facing small business owners). While this has not been the mandate of historic districts, or preservation in general, it is of concern to the community that has made such an effort to maintain its character. In order to continue to build support for preservation, it is perhaps worthwhile to look into other concerns of communities and act upon them.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the long-term impacts of designation on historic districts. Our research bears out a number of positive outcomes from the designation of these historic districts, primarily among materials conditions and architectural form, but conclude that there are various other tools that can be used in order to promote preservation among the community and help historic districts give back to the communities that support them. 32 Strong Place Source: student photograph

Design Interventions

Previous Page: 35 - 45 Warren Street Source: student photography

DESIGN INTERVENTION : 128 SMITH STREET

Elizabeth Canon & Valentina Flora Angelucci