Bushwick Portals

99¢Dreams: 26th Aug 2007 - 20:27 GMT

Hey Peter, do you live in Bushwick, or are you just often there?

I ask because your post reminds me of a photo project I've contemplated, but never executed: "Bushwick Gates"

I'm referring to a quintessential Bushwick characteristic; a holdover from the bad old drug deluge days. Have you ever noticed the many residences that went gate crazy around their entrances? The best examples have an awning that covers the ground floor, stretching from the building facade to the edge of front gate. Then the entire area is encased, top-to-bottom and on either side with bars. Often, behind this enclosure, the front door and windows are covered with bars. I've seen places with three layers of gated protection, and I almost want to say I remember one with four. Often times these residences are ironically next door to houses with little or no bars at all. On top of that, there may be a run-down inhabited tenement down the block with an open-door policy - the wide-open unlocked front door.

The double, triple-gated homes make me think of super human drug-crazed demons, undeterred by mere window bars and a steel front door. Or more likely, someone who'd been previously victimised by burglers. But they also look like personal jails.

upfromflames: 26th Aug 2007 - 21:28 GMT

The "gates" could also refer to the proud sculptures on the front gates of new Housing Partnership homes popping up all over Bushwick--specifically around Central Ave. M. Train Station.

But the point here is that we don't talk about photos on citynoise, we take 'em!

Hope to see yours here soon, Mr. Dreams!

John Dereszewski: 27th Aug 2007 - 03:47 GMT

In talking of Bushwick portals, you might wish to take a few pictures of the now vanishing number of awnings placed above the entrances of houses - both wood frame and masonry - in the section roughly bounded by Wyckoff, DeKalb, Gates and Central. These are wood structures that give these rather ordinary buildings a very distinctive quality. I really have not seen anything like them anywhere else. My guess is that these awnings will be history in a few years, so take your pictures while you can. (If I have not described these awnings with sufficient clarity, just visit this area and you will know what I mean.)

Peter: 27th Aug 2007 - 23:05 GMT

99¢Dreams: yeah, i live in Bushwick. i sort of took your idea and ran with it here... hope thats ok? lets add to it!

99¢Dreams: 28th Aug 2007 - 10:37 GMT

Peter, you didn't just run with my idea -- you sprinted with it! And I guess the finish line isn't yet in sight since you titled it "part 1". Great work -- I just posted there, btw.

Unfortunately I won't be posting photos anytime soon since my digital's busted. Right now it's been working out to just dream: More than a decade ago I spoke to a teacher from Bushwick HS about a Historic Bushwick project, which could help instill broader neighborhood pride as a bulwark against litter, grafitti and general blight. Dropped the ball on that one, but along comes Upfromflames, with all of his marvelous, voluminous work, and I am among the many who are very appreciative. That project has been so properly delving and comprehensive, and right on time for internet accessability, and great forums like Citynoise.

I know exactly what those antique wooden awnings John D. described look like. They have those baluster posts and were abundant, especially among rows of 3 and 4 story apartment houses. So many taken down rather than restored, though I just saw a restored one the other day, which was very inspiring. It actually looked like it could have been brand new!

These days awnings in Bushwick means aluminum exclusively. When my friends would visit back in the dark old days I'd say, 'Yeah, Bushwick may be poor and run down, but look how rich we are in iron and aluminum.'