Rego Park

Journey back to the 1920s. Imagine Queens, a patchwork of farms and fields. The Real Good Construction Company arrives with a vision. They buy a large tract of land, south of Queens Boulevard. They begin building homes, hundreds of them, each with eight rooms and a modest $8,000 price tag. This ambitious project gives birth to Rego Park. Rego Park, a name derived from the company’s moniker, “Real Good.” The company envisioned a community that was both affordable and attractive. Rego Park quickly blossomed. Stores sprung up along Queens Boulevard and 63rd Drive in 1926. Apartment buildings followed shortly after, rising to meet the growing demand. By 1930, the Independent Subway System extended its reach to Rego Park, connecting the burgeoning neighborhood to the rest of the city. This expansion included eight new stations and cemented Rego Park’s place as a desirable residential area. Rego Park isn’t just a collection of buildings. It’s a place where history and culture intertwine. Actor Jerry Orbach, of “Law and Order” fame, spent his formative years here. Author Sam Tanenhaus, former editor of the New York Times Book Review, also called Rego Park home. And let’s not forget Kenny Anderson, the former NBA player, who dribbled his way through childhood on Rego Park’s streets. Tragedy struck in 1972. A devastating fire swept through 63rd Drive, consuming businesses and the local library. But Rego Park is resilient. A new library rose across the street, a testament to the community’s spirit. Today, Rego Park is a vibrant tapestry of cultures. A significant Bukharan Jewish community thrives here, bringing their traditions and cuisine from Central Asia. This cultural infusion has added a unique flavor to the neighborhood, with Uzbek and Tajik restaurants adding to the culinary landscape. Rego Park also boasts the Rego Center Mall, a shopper’s paradise. Remember the old Alexander’s department store? The mall now stands on that very spot, a symbol of Rego Park’s continuous evolution.