Brooklyn Audio-Tour: Von Kanonen zu Craft-Bieren

So what do we have here? Red Hook East and Red Hook West, together home to nearly 6,300 residents in a total of 30 buildings. Some are two stories, others stretch up to six stories tall. Built by the New York City Housing Authority and designed by architect Alfred Easton Poor, the complex was completed back in 1939. Imagine, when these buildings were finished, they were seen as the future of living-modern kitchens, bathrooms, laundry facilities, even vermin-proofing! And fireproof, too, because we only need one Great Fire of Brooklyn, thank you very much. When it was freshly built, these residences were all about optimism. In fact, Marion Greenwood painted a fresco titled "Blueprint for Living" in the lobby to inspire a harmonious future. Eleanor Roosevelt herself even came to check it all out, making it quite the VIP visit. But it's not all rosy history. In 1992, the tragic death of P.S. 15 principal Patrick Daly brought crime and safety concerns into the public eye. And then, there’s the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which flooded the area with six feet of water, leaving the residents without power and water for months. Talk about a bad day! Thankfully, the Red Hook Houses are bouncing back. A $560 million grant from FEMA is funding extensive renovations-new roofs, flood barriers, electrical systems, and a brand-new building for boiler equipment, among other updates. By the way, the flood barrier is designed like a "lily pad" in the middle of courtyards. Sounds fancy, right? As of 2022, this massive revitalization project was expected to wrap up, bringing in a new era for this historic community. Well, that's the Red Hook Houses for you-a place of history, resilience, and ongoing transformation. Ready to move on to the next stop?

Here, you’ve got handball courts, softball fields, a soccer and football field, and even a running track. If you're feeling sporty, Red Hook Park has got you covered. And let’s not forget the Sol Goldman Play Center, tucked within Bay, Henry, Lorraine, and Clinton Streets. It’s home to a brick bathhouse and two pools - perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days. Now, a little sprinkle of history: The land was first grabbed way back in 1913 and officially became a park in 1934. They built the pool between 1935 and 1936, thanks to the Works Progress Administration. It's kind of like the New Deal’s way of saying, “Hey, you deserve this!” The park had a big facelift starting in the 1980s, with the pool reopening in 1986 and getting its current name from Sol Goldman in 1991 - quite the thank-you gesture for his generous donation. In 2007, the Sol Goldman Play Center was deemed a city landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Fancy that! Oh, and a fun fact for you: They’ve been renovating the fields since 2019 due to some pesky lead contamination. Don’t worry, though, it’s all shipshape now. Red Hook Park isn't just one big blanket of green; it's strategically scattered across several city blocks. Picture a jigsaw puzzle of fun! Soccer fields, baseball fields, a running track - they’ve got everything but the kitchen sink. Directly across Clinton Street, there’s another chunk of the park with walking paths and more soccer fields. Heading northwest, you’ll find soccer field 6 and a running track that encircled a roller rink when it first opened in 1940. Quite the multi-talented space! Fancy a few hoops? The Bush-Clinton Playground is north of the pool with several basketball courts. The playground also honors the Bush family and DeWitt Clinton, a former New York governor. History meets hoops - who would've thought? So there you have it, the fabulous Red Hook Park! A place where history, recreation, and community come together. And if you’re up for a joke: Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one! Enjoy your time here!

Built next to the Gowanus Canal, this hulking beast was meant to serve the New York State Canal System. Oh, and it did...kinda. It turns out that, even when the structure was first unveiled, it was already outdated. The canal traffic had plummeted, making this grand terminal a bit of an expensive luxury-or, as one might say, a "magnificent boondoggle." It cost $2.5 million to build-a hefty sum back then. But despite the high hopes and the well-spent millions, it wasn’t exactly a cash cow. Governor Nathan L. Miller even hinted during the opening that it might mostly be useful for emergencies. Spoiler alert: there weren't too many grain emergencies. The Port Authority took over in 1944, but they too couldn't squeeze much success out of it. By the 1960s, it was clear that this grain terminal had much more potential as an urban explorer’s paradise than as a profitable enterprise. And what about today? Potential plans for the site have ranged from a recycling plant to a movie studio, though none have really taken off. For now, it sits as a ghost of industrial past, a monument to what could’ve been-a grain elevator that truly elevates your curiosity! As you ponder over this giant’s illustrious yet short-lived career, take a moment to appreciate just how ambitious and sturdy human creations can be-even when they don’t exactly, ahem, pan out. Enjoy the view and let’s grain in some more knowledge as we proceed to our next stop!

Completed way back in 1866, just after the American Civil War, this place was bustling with activity. For well over a century, ships came here for repairs, until the dock's closure in 2005. Initially owned by Todd Shipyards, it eventually came under the stewardship of Vigor Shipyards through some corporate mergers. But here's the twist in this nautical tale: in the early 2000s, IKEA decided they needed somewhere to park all those cars from eager furniture shoppers. So, they looked at this historic dock and thought, "Eh, let's make it a parking lot!" Conservationists, understandably, got a bit grumpy about this and argued that the dock should be a national historic place. Even the city's comptroller chimed in, saying paving it over seemed a bit, you know, premature. Despite the protests, lawsuits, and pleas for preservation, the dock was eventually filled in. Yep, where once stood a glorious chapter of maritime history, there now sits... a parking lot. So, let's take a moment to imagine the grand vessels of yesteryear pulling into this dock, now relegated to history. And remember, the next time you find a good parking spot, spare a thought for the buried stories beneath your wheels!

The bar's name, interestingly, is inspired by James Cagney's character from the classic 1938 film "Angels With Dirty Faces," which also starred Humphrey Bogart. Talk about cinematic heritage! After moving from Manhattan to this cozy corner of Red Hook, Rocky Sullivan's settled in right here at Dwight and Van Dyke Streets before a final hop over to its current spot at 46 Beard Street. Just imagine humming a tune or two while clutching your pint, feeling the presence of musical legends who’ve played here. And hey, don’t just stand around! This pub is known for its lively events. Ever tried your hand at a pub quiz? You could have joined in on Thursdays. Maybe picking up some Irish language skills on Tuesdays tickles your fancy? Plus, they had live music sessions spanning most of the week. And for the literary buffs among us, the last Wednesday of every month would see top authors like Roddy Doyle and Frank McCourt sharing their work. Rocky Sully's, as affectionately called, has been more than just a bar; it’s been a cultural hub, bringing together lovers of music, literature, and a good old pint. Speaking of which, why did the scarecrow become a great pub entertainer? Because he was outstanding in his field!

Take a look at their logo - a brilliant mash-up of the brewer's hexagram and the nautical star. It's not just a nod to their brewing passion but also a salute to Red Hook’s maritime heritage. Their motto, "Beer is Culture," is a clever pun, highlighting both the cultural impact of beer and the fact that yeast - the magic ingredient - is a culture too! Now let's talk about their "Mad Science" approach to brewing. These folks don’t just brew beer; they concoct experiments in liquid form. Like some kind of beer-crafting wizards, they blend ingredients with innovative techniques for extraordinary results. Sixpoint started with just kegs, hitting local bars and restaurants, making them the coolest kids on the block. Want beer to go? You had to fill a growler from the tap. It wasn’t until June 2011 that they started canning their golden (and sometimes amber, red, or dark) elixirs. Today, you’ll find Sixpoint vibes all over the country! Their factory, a 7,000-square-foot former filing cabinet plant, is a conduit for creativity. With beers like “The Crisp” (Pilz), “Sweet Action” (Ale), “Bengali” (IPA), and "Resin" (IIPA) brewed year-round, your palette is in for a treat. Sixpoint began their "Cycliquids" Series in summer 2014, rolling out unique brews whenever inspiration strikes. They've released beers like Rad, Sensi, Hi-Res, Beast Mode Porter, Abigale Belgian Ale, and Jammer Gose. No seasons dictate their releases-when they feel like brewing, they brew! In November 2018, Sixpoint joined forces with Artisanal Brewing Ventures, expanding their craft with Southern Tier and Victory. Together, they’re turning the brewery game upside down. So, raise a glass and say cheers to mad science, culture, and a whole lot of fun! And remember: if you’re having hops, share them with friends!

Founded by some of the finest tastemakers, this place has quickly become a local favorite. Fun fact: the tavern prides itself on blending old-school charm with modern culinary techniques. Imagine if your grandma's cooking took a gourmet cooking class-that's what we're talking about here! And hey, if you're still on the fence about going in, just know that their menu has been known to make even the most stoic New Yorkers break into a smile. So why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing inside the Red Hook Tavern, of course! Enjoy the flavors, soak in the ambiance, and remember, it's not just a meal; it's an experience. Bon appétit!