“Industrial powerhouse” is not usually how one describes a charming neighborhood. Yet here in the Columbia Street Waterfront District, that’s part of its unique appeal. The Columbia Street Waterfront District sits on Brooklyn’s western shore. It faces Governors Island.
The Columbia Street Waterfront District got its name from Columbia Street. This street runs through the neighborhood. Once called Little Street in the 1700s it was renamed. It became Columbia Street to honor the new United States of America. Columbia was a popular symbol.
We are standing in one of Brooklyn’s smallest neighborhoods. The Columbia Street Waterfront District includes about 22 blocks. It stretches from the BQE to the waterfront. The area runs from Atlantic Avenue to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel. Some people see it as part of Carroll Gardens or Cobble Hill.
Originally the Columbia Street Waterfront District was a bustling industrial area. It played a big role in Brooklyn and New York City’s growth. The area housed factories, warehouses and shipyards in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These supported the booming shipping industry.
The neighborhood formed in 1957. The BQE cut Columbia Street off from Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. These were its adjacent neighborhoods.
In 1975 a tragic accident further emptied the district. A sewer line repair led to a construction worker’s death. Thirty-three buildings were demolished. But the Columbia Street Waterfront District has proven resilient. By 1984 an urban renewal project was done. New houses were quickly sold.
Today the Columbia Street Waterfront District has seen a resurgence. New bakeries, restaurants and businesses have opened since the 2000s.
Along the northern section of Columbia Street you’ll find something interesting. Eleven percent of households are unmarried same-sex couples. This is the highest percentage in New York City.
Make sure to stroll along Columbia Street. It is the neighborhood’s backbone. The road stretches from Atlantic Avenue to Red Hook.
Here in the Columbia Street Waterfront District you can still see New York’s industrial past. It is combined with a strong community spirit. Take a moment to appreciate this unique blend. This waterfront gem offers scenic views and a rich history.