Surfside Gardens Houses are located in Coney Island, Brooklyn, near West 31st Street, Surf Avenue, and Mermaid Avenue. Opened in 1969, the five-building, 14-story and 15-story NYCHA complex is home to more than 1,200 residents. It is also commonly referred to by residents as “The Homes.”
Surfside Gardens was among the early public housing developments constructed to replace deteriorating tenement housing in South Brooklyn. Its name reflects its proximity to the Coney Island beach and boardwalk, giving residents easy access to one of the city’s most iconic recreational areas.
Surfside Gardens was originally envisioned as clean, affordable housing for working-class families, but over time it has faced familiar challenges endemic to all NYCHA developments, including chronic underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and safety concerns.
Residents have long reported issues such as heat outages, broken elevators, and outdated, dinosaur-like plumbing.
Despite these conditions, Surfside Gardens tenants have remained resourceful, organizing tenant associations and community groups to advocate for improved living conditions and greater safety within the complex.
The development has also produced individuals who have gone on to make an impact beyond the community.
One notable example is NBA player Isaiah Whitehead, who was raised in Surfside Gardens and became a basketball standout at Lincoln High School in Coney Island. His success reflects the potential and strength rooted in the community.
Ultimately, Surfside Gardens Houses reflect both the struggle and endurance of public housing. As the buildings age and systems wear down, residents continue to sustain the community’s heart—grounded in pride, determination, and a deep connection to Coney Island’s cultural heritage.
