Built in 1944, Whitman Houses consists of 15 buildings and is home to more than 2,100 residents. The complex is a residential community located in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, bounded by St. Edwards Street, Myrtle Avenue, and North Portland Avenue.
Originally named after the American poet Walt Whitman, Whitman Houses was among of the earliest NYCHA developments, created to house low-income working families as Brooklyn expanded during and after World War II.
The complex was built near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and many of its first residents were longshoremen and laborers supporting the war effort.
Unfortunately, this story is similar across all NYCHA developments, and like many others, Whitman Houses have faced decades of neglect, including aging infrastructure, delayed repairs, and recurring public safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, Whitman Houses have remained home to generations of families who have sustained a strong sense of pride, connection, and commitment to their community. Its residents work to maintain recreational spaces and youth programs that foster safety and stability for children and families.
Whitman Houses has also been home to residents who rose to national prominence, including rapper Talib Kweli. Known for his socially conscious lyrics and deep engagement with Brooklyn’s political and cultural life, Kweli has spoken about how his upbringing in the complex shaped both his identity and his music.
At its core, Whitman Houses reflect NYCHA’s original mission: to provide safe, affordable housing for working families. Despite periods of hardship and violence, the development endures as a living record of Brooklyn’s struggles, resilience, and collective memory.
