Sixty years ago. That’s how long ago the Red Hook Houses stood. A symbol of modern living. At least that’s what people thought in 1939.
The Red Hook Houses. A sprawling complex. Thirty buildings. Two to six stories high. Architect Alfred Easton Poor designed them. They were innovative for their time. Modern kitchens and bathrooms were included. Laundry facilities too. A true marvel.
But life in the Red Hook Houses wasn’t always a dream. Crime became a persistent problem. In 1992. A year infamous for high crime rates across New York City. Principal Patrick Daly was tragically killed in a gang shootout. A devastating event that shook the community.
The Red Hook Houses also bear witness to a historical quirk. Perot Place. It’s named after Ross Perot. The independent candidate in the 1992 presidential election. The intersection’s existence predates Perot. Dating back to the early 1800s. A testament to the area’s long history.
Hurricane Sandy hit the Red Hook Houses hard. In 2012. Six feet of floodwater inundated the area. Sewer overflow. High tides. It left residents without power. Fresh water was also scarce for months. Mold and health problems followed. A long road to recovery began.
A massive renovation effort began. Millions of dollars. The goal. To make the Red Hook Houses resilient to future storms. New roofs. Electrical rooms. Standby generators. Flood-proofing. But skepticism lingered. NYCHA’s history. Concerns about ongoing maintenance.
The Red Hook Initiative stepped in. Founded in 2002. A non-profit group helping residents. Youth empowerment. Social justice. Sustainability. They started the Local Leaders program. Training residents in emergency preparedness. Community organizing too. A crucial step.
The Red Hook Houses. A place of both hardship and resilience. A microcosm of Brooklyn’s complex history. A symbol of hope. And a reminder of the challenges that still remain. They are more than just buildings. They’re a community. A place where history unfolds.