Boerum Hill

Boerum Hill is a neighborhood located in Brooklyn Heights, bounded by Schermerhorn Street to the north, Fourth Avenue to the east, Court Street to the west, and Warren and Wyckoff Streets to the south. It is part of Brooklyn Community District 2 and served by the NYPD's 84th Precinct. The area was historically associated with the Boerum family's colonial farm and later became known as South Brooklyn or North Gowanus before the name Boerum Hill gained popularity in the mid-20th century. The neighborhood is characterized by its flat topography, which was built on land reclaimed from marshes near the Gowanus Creek. By the late 19th century, the area had become a residential community with row houses constructed between 1850 and 1930. In the mid-20th century, Boerum Hill was home to working-class families, many of whom were African American or Puerto Rican. However, by the late 20th century, gentrification transformed the neighborhood into a more affluent area. Boerum Hill is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including independent boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. The neighborhood has a strong connection to the arts, with many artists, writers, and performers residing there. It is also home to several notable cultural institutions, including the Invisible Dog Art Center and the BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). The area has been featured in films and literature, such as Spike Lee's "Clockers" and Jonathan Lethem's novels. The neighborhood includes the historic Boerum Hill Historic District, designated in 1973 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places ...