Urban Shadows

Everyone is welcome to join in with the Shadows of Squares this month, whether you square daily, weekly, at weekends or just the once. The frequency of your squares and type of shadows is whatever suits you and your blog.

These shady squares (and rectangles) were all captured in Brooklyn Heights in May and September of this year. The area became New York’s first commuter suburb following the introduction of a regular ferry service across East River. Developers made much of its village like feel and numerous parks. It later became New York’s first designated historic district and was added to America’s National Register of Historic Places on its creation in 1966. In fact if it wasn’t for all the SUVs and modern signage it would be a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century urban streetscape.

The oldest homes date back to 1820; and as I walked round I presumed many of these brownstones were worth a few pennies. Now I am back home, I am in shock after looking up prices. They are even more than I envisaged. A one bed condo will set you back over a million dollars. If you want a whole house you need at least ten million dollars, that’s currently around eight million pounds.

On this occasion I wish I had done my research as there are a number of specific houses that I would have loved to have seen. No not to buy, but to see because of their history or design. Still I am pretty happy with the rectangles and squares I did capture, and if I ever return to NYC I will definitely be staying in Brooklyn again.