Seventy-seven acres. That’s the size of Sunnyside Gardens. It sits comfortably between Queens Boulevard and Sunnyside Yard. This planned community arose from a vision. It was to blend city and countryside.
Sunnyside Gardens stands as a testament to innovative urban planning. Its story began in the 1920s. Visionaries sought to create an ideal living space. They wanted to capture the essence of both urban and rural life.
Alexander Bing founded the City Housing Corporation. Clarence Stein and Henry Wright were the architects. Lewis Mumford and Richard T. Ely were key proponents. They shaped the project’s direction. Construction took place from 1924 to 1928.
Sunnyside Gardens drew inspiration from the garden city movement in England. Ebenezer Howard and Raymond Unwin influenced its design. Hampstead Garden Suburb and Letchworth Garden City served as models. This community aimed to integrate residences, agriculture, and industry.
More than 600 buildings make up Sunnyside Gardens across 16 blocks. The homes mainly feature Hudson brick. Each has a small private garden. Small private walkways connect parallel streets. The historic architecture has been largely maintained.
Sunnyside Gardens has 12 courts. They include Colonial Court and Washington Court. These spaces promote a sense of community. The design incorporates both courtyard and mews conditions. This allows denser residential development. It also provides green space.
A unique feature of Sunnyside Gardens is its private park. Sunnyside Gardens Park measures three and a half acres. It offers recreational facilities for residents. These include a playing field and tennis courts. The park hosts events like the Memorial Day Fair.
The Great Depression hit Sunnyside Gardens hard. Almost 60 percent of residents lost their homes to foreclosure. However, the community persevered. Residents resisted eviction efforts.
Protective easements safeguarded Sunnyside Gardens for 40 years. These controlled exterior changes. They also maintained courtyards and walkways. When these lapsed in the mid-1960s some homeowners put up fences.
In 1974, Sunnyside Gardens became a special planned community preservation district. This designation brought rules to protect the area. Inner courts and landscaping were preserved. Driveways and additions were restricted.
Sunnyside Gardens earned recognition as a historic district. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 2007, it became an official New York City landmark district. This ensures the preservation of its unique character.
Today Sunnyside Gardens remains a vibrant community. It is a living example of garden city ideals. Its architecture and urban design continue to inspire. It offers a unique blend of city living and neighborhood charm. The community stands as a testament to thoughtful planning. It shows the enduring appeal of green spaces.