Does the name Kensington sound familiar? Kensington in Brooklyn got its name from the London borough. Kensington emerged as a distinct neighborhood. However, for much of the 20th century, it was considered part of Flatbush.
Now, let’s explore some Kensington secrets. Kensington’s diversity, architecture, and even horses, share many stories. Nestled between Flatbush and Borough Park, Kensington is mainly residential. Commercial activity clusters along Church Avenue and Coney Island Avenue.
Gentrification has touched Kensington. Yet, it remains a more affordable rental market. The area retains its historic architecture as demographics evolve.
The Prospect Park Stable stands as a relic. It is located at 55 Caton Place. This stable dates back to the early 20th century. It was part of a larger facility at 11 Ocean Parkway. Olmsted and Vaux designed Prospect Park with horses in mind. Bridle paths and carriage drives prove it. Adolph Vogt ran the riding academy. His Bedford Riding Academy was well-known.
Automobiles changed everything. Horse riding became restricted on Bedford Avenue. Vogt relocated to Windsor Terrace. Today, the stable at 55 Caton is the last piece of Vogt’s legacy. Other parts have been repurposed.
Prospect Park Stable is now unique. It’s the only stable centrally located in Brooklyn. Plus, it’s accessible by mass transit in New York City. You can still see old Belgian blocks under the pavement. There is a small arena inside. Horses still use the Prospect Park Bridle Path.
New owners took over in 2018. John Quadrozzi Jr. and his daughter Xiana renovated the stable. Xiana created horse care and riding programs. Be Brooklyn Equine runs youth and adult programs. They even offer pony rides. Helping Hoof, Inc. makes riding accessible. This non-profit aids the restoration of Prospect Park’s bridle path.
An antique-style sign graces the stable’s entrance. It depicts the Horse Tamer statues at Prospect Park’s Parkside Circle. The stable plans to add a cafe. They also intend to dedicate a floor to an indoor arena.
The Kensington Post Office is another landmark. It’s at 419 McDonald Avenue. Built in 1935, it showcases Colonial Revival style. Architect Lorimer Rich designed this Federal-style brick building. Rich also contributed to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Kensington Post Office was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Kensington is home to New York City’s largest Pakistani population. This area, near Coney Island Avenue, was once mainly Jewish. The Pakistani population grew in the 1990s. Little Pakistan faced challenges after 9/11. Businesses suffered, and many residents left.
Now, Little Pakistan has recovered. Pakistani restaurants and shops thrive. You will find it mainly between Church Avenue and Avenue H. Lahori Chilli Restaurant & Sweets serves classic dishes. Jalsa Grill & Gravy offers Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi food. Several stores sell traditional clothing.
Parkville is a unique part of Kensington. It stretches from 18th Avenue to Foster Avenue. Parkville’s streets are diagonal. These streets were established after the Coney Island Plank Road opened. Parkville was once called Greenville. It features Pakistani and Mexican eateries today.
Ocean Parkway runs through Kensington. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux envisioned it. They wanted to connect Prospect Park to Coney Island. Construction began in 1874. The parkway included bike paths and bridle paths.
Buzz-a-Rama was New York City’s last slot car racing venue. Frank “Buzz” Perri and his wife Dolores opened it in 1965. Sadly, they both passed away from Covid-19 in 2021. Buzz-a-Rama had five slot car courses and video games. It closed in late 2021.
Kensington’s architecture includes Victorian homes and American Foursquare houses. These homes stand alongside apartment buildings. Many American Foursquare homes are on the streets off Beverley Road and Ditmas Avenue.
Orthodox Jews form a significant part of Kensington’s population. Synagogues and cultural centers are common. Ocean Parkway Jewish Center is a historic landmark.
Today, Kensington is diverse. Orthodox Jews, South Asians, Russians, and Caribbeans reside here. Even a small community from Darfur, Sudan, calls Kensington home.
Famous residents have included Sufjan Stevens. He operates Asthmatic Kitty Records from his Kensington home. Marky Ramone of The Ramones also lived here.
Kensington’s story is one of transformation. From its British roots to its diverse present. Kensington remains a unique corner of Brooklyn.