Built by NYCHA in 1941, Kingsborough Houses consists of 16 six-story buildings and is home to more than 2,000 residents. The complex is located in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood, bounded by Bergen Street, Buffalo Avenue, Ralph Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue.
Kingsborough Houses is NYCHA’s oldest Brooklyn building and were among the city’s first complexes to offer affordable housing to moderate- and low-income renters in the post-Depression era. The development initially opened with a majority of white residents, but by the late 1950s, that demographic had changed.
The complex is defined by open parkland and a traditional “superblock” layout, prioritizing pedestrian walkways over automobile traffic.
Although once viewed as a model for subsidized housing, Kingsborough Houses have not escaped the challenges faced by many NYCHA developments. Over time, residents have experienced aging infrastructure, building deterioration, and heightened concerns about safety in the surrounding neighborhood.
Despite these challenges, the residents atKingsborough Houses have remained a tight-knit and resilient community. Longtime residents have fostered pride, culture, and community, while activists and tenant leaders continue to push for improved living conditions and increased city support.
Thousands of lives have taken shape at Kingsborough Houses, reflecting the perseverance and dedication cultivated within the community. Though less publicly known than some other developments, Kingsborough has produced artists, educators, and community organizers who have contributed meaningfully to Brooklyn and beyond.
The complex continues to reflect the original vision of public housing as a stabilizing force rooted in dignity and opportunity. Through continued activism and investment, Kingsborough Houses stand as a testament to the ability of communities to realize their potential despite adversity.
