Sheepshead Bay Houses are located in Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay neighborhood. Bordered by Avenue X, Avenue W, and Nostrand Avenue.
Built on the former Sheepshead Bay Racetrack, the 18-building, six-story NYCHA development was completed in 1950 and is home to approximately 2,800 residents.
Like many post–World War II public housing developments, Sheepshead Bay Houses were built to provide affordable housing for working-class families during a period of rapid urban expansion.
Reflecting mid-20th-century public housing ideals that sought to bring suburban-style living conditions into the city, the complex incorporated green space and recreational areas.
Over time, the Sheepshead Bay Houses have faced familiar challenges similar to other NYCHA properties, including aging infrastructure, underfunded maintenance, and growing safety concerns.
At the same time, residents have been forced to put on a show of determination, organizing vocal tenant groups to advocate for improved conditions and expanded services. Generations of immigrant families have called the development home, many using the community as a foundation for opportunity within and beyond Sheepshead Bay.
One of the most notable former residents is NBA star Stephon Marbury, a two-time NBA All-Star who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, spent part of his youth in the development and has credited Sheepshead Bay with shaping his success.
Despite decades of systemic challenges affecting many NYCHA developments, the Sheepshead Bay Houses remain an enduring part of Brooklyn life—reflecting both the hardships of public housing and the lasting strength of its residents.
