“The Bronx is burning.” Do you remember those words? They echoed across the nation during the 1977 World Series. Sportscaster Howard Cosell spoke them. He was describing the devastation in the South Bronx. The heart of that fire was Melrose.
Today, we stand in Melrose. It is a testament to resilience. Melrose is a neighborhood in the southwestern Bronx. It’s bordered by Saint Anns Avenue, 149th Street, Park Avenue, and 163rd Street. Melrose Avenue and Third Avenue run through it.
Once a village in the town of Morrisania, Melrose joined New York City in 1874. It became part of the Twenty-Third Ward. The late 19th century saw many immigrants arrive. Housing was built quickly. But it soon became unsuitable. A mass exodus occurred. New York City policy led to arson. The neighborhood was ravaged in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1973, the Third Avenue El was dismantled. By the 1980s, Melrose was severely decayed. Vacant buildings and lots were everywhere.
But look around you now. Since the mid-1990s, renewal has transformed Melrose. A key player was Nos Quedamos. It means “we stay.” Abandoned structures were renovated. New construction filled vacant lots. Melrose now leads the borough in “Green” construction. Via Verde is the largest LEED-certified apartment building here. It won the 2013 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence. Boricua College has its Bronx campus in Melrose.
Melrose got its name from Melrose in Scotland. David Paton, the original developer, named it. He wanted a suburban retreat like the Scottish countryside.
In the 19th century, Melrose was predominantly German American. It was home to Haffen Brewing Company. After World War II, the German population declined. Until the 1960s, it was mostly Irish and Italian. Now, it is primarily Latino.
Let’s talk about some history you can see. Four historic churches here date to before 1900. The German Methodist Church at 790 Elton Ave was built in 1878. The German Reformed Church, with its white steeple, is at 744 Elton Ave. It was built in 1885. Immaculate Conception Church is at 389 E. 150th St. It dates to 1887. And the German Lutheran Church at 376 E. 156th St. was built in 1895.
Melrose has come a long way. It has risen from a “forgotten” neighborhood. It continues to grow. Even more development is coming. The population will increase. Despite lingering poverty, Melrose stands as a symbol of community and revitalization.