What if I told you a story about Admiral’s Row a place that no longer exists? It stood right here at Admiral Triangle in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Once upon a time ten magnificent homes lined this very spot. These weren’t just any houses. They were the residences of high-ranking naval officers. Built between 1864 and 1901 they showcased diverse architectural styles. Greek Revival Italianate and French Empire designs stood side by side. Each home held stories of naval careers and family life. Imagine elegant parties and quiet evenings overlooking the bustling yard.
Admiral’s Row wasn’t just a collection of houses. It was a community. Tennis courts a parade ground and even a greenhouse added to its charm. The largest home Quarters B was once the residence of Commodore Matthew C Perry. He was the man who opened Japan to trade with the West. Think of the history that walked these grounds.
Sadly most of Admiral’s Row was demolished in 2016. A Wegmans supermarket and an office building now occupy the site. Only Quarters B and a timber shed remain as silent witnesses to the past. The demolition sparked controversy. Preservationists fought to save these historic structures. They argued for the buildings’ historical significance. They proposed alternative redevelopment plans. Their efforts sadly proved insufficient.
But the story of Admiral’s Row continues. Even in its absence the memory of its grandeur and the lives it touched live on. These were homes that shaped the lives of naval officers and their families. They reflected the history and importance of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Though gone Admiral’s Row remains a part of New York City’s rich history. This spot Admiral Triangle stands as a reminder of what once was. A testament to the ever-changing landscape of Brooklyn.