Fifty feet above sea level. That’s Cambria Heights. A unique vantage point in Queens.
Cambria Heights wasn’t always called Cambria Heights. In the 1920s a Pennsylvania bank financed its development. Families escaping cramped city apartments found homes here. The name? A nod to the Cambria Title Savings and Trust Company.
This wasn’t just any development. Cambria Heights boasts some of the highest points in Queens. Jackson Heights and Richmond Hill share this distinction. It’s a little-known fact many residents appreciate. The elevation offered fresh air and a sense of escape.
The neighborhood blossomed. Diverse families built lives here. It started with Italian German and Irish Catholics. Jewish families joined them. Today you find vibrant Caribbean and African American communities.
Cambria Heights has a rich tapestry of faiths. Numerous churches dot Linden Boulevard. Cambria Heights Community Church stands tall. So does Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Sacred Heart Catholic Church has its own school. This religious diversity reflects the neighborhood’s character.
The Ohel is also here. This is the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Tens of thousands visit annually. People come from across the globe. They seek blessings and spiritual solace.
In 2022 two historic districts gained recognition. The Cambria Heights-222nd Street Historic District stands out. The Storybook-style houses are truly captivating. The architectural firm Monda & Bertolazzi designed these gems. Brick facades Tudor arches and colorful roof shingles are their signature. Cambria Heights-227th Street Historic District houses were designed by Wolosoff Brothers. They too are stunning examples of Storybook architecture.
Cambria Heights is more than history and architecture. It’s a community. Notable residents like Lena Horne and Jackie Robinson once called it home. Today’s residents are just as inspiring. Their stories are woven into the fabric of this remarkable place. This is Cambria Heights a neighborhood with a unique story to tell.