Brownstones are some of the most iconic buildings in New York and the broader Northeastern United States. These townhouses contribute to New York City’s culture, beauty, and architectural heritage, forming a key part of many communities in Brooklyn. This video explores the history of brownstones and the urban development of New York, from the construction of brownstones in the 1800s to the recent gentrification of brownstone neighborhoods.

Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:18 - Why are brownstones brown?
03:00 - Stoops
04:27 - Gentrification of Brooklyn
07:05 - Preservation of Brooklyn Heights (covenant law and historic districts)
08:47 - What's next for brownstones?

The Flatiron Building, originally called the Fuller Building, is so symbolic of New York City that it is tough to imagine a time when it wasn't there. But the building for which an entire neighborhood was named didn't go up on the corner of 23rd and Broadway until 1902. This vintage photograph circa 1900 shows the smaller two and three story buildings that once existed in the intersection.

This view of 23rd Street at the intersection of Fifth Ave and Broadway was taken around 1900. The ornate street lamp and multitude of signs and advertising make this a great street level photograph. [...] The famous Fuller Building, better known as the Flatiron went up in 1902 on the site of this triangular plot which had a series of two and three story buildings located on it throughout the late 1800’s.

The Twin Towers were icons on the New York skyline. Then, in the course of one September morning, they were gone. What followed was more than two decades of competing visions and continual setbacks that finally culminated in the city’s newest landmark.