.. DUMBO IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ..

The Downturn

DUMBO's industrial strength began to ebb in the 1930s when some of the largest manufacturers, including Gair, relocated. By the end of World War II, the writing on the wall left no shred of doubt: the industrial boom in the northeastern U.S. was over. Over the next few decades some warehouses were rented out for various smaller-scale purposes, but it was impossible to deny that the area was in decline.

Decline was compounded by construction and development in areas surrounding the DUMBO. The completion of the Manhattan Bridge in the first decade of the 20th century not only forced the demolition of numerous factories and homes, but also cast a permanent shadow across much of the neighborhood. Construction of a Consolidated Edison power plant in the 1920’s overtook a large swath of waterfront land and made the surrounding area much less attractive to other businesses. Finally, the erection of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in the 1940’s completely reconfigured the neighborhood's streetscape, alienating DUMBO from the rest of Brooklyn and ending its days as a bustling hub of industry.

• Overview • A Transportation & Manufacturing Center • The Downturn • The Reinvestment of the Private Sector • DUMBO Today

Documents

enter email to subscribe

WHAT'S GOING ON

powerHouse Annual Book & Tag Sale

powerHouse Arena presents its famous and spectacular Annual Book & Tag Sale from Wednesday, July 28th until Monday, September 6th. Enjoy prices 50-90% off on books and...

A New Kind of Beauty

Klompching Gallery presents the Opening Reception for Phillip Toledano's A New Kind of Beauty on Wednesday, September 8th from 6pm to 8pm. The exhibit will be up until...

Coming Back: New Orleans Resurgent Book Signing

Umbrage Editions presents the Book Signing for Mario Tama's Coming Back: New Orleans Resurgent on Wednesday, September 8 from 6pm to 8pm. The exhibit features...

Bitter in the Mouth Book Launch Party

powerHouse Arena presents the Book Launch Party for Monique Truong's Bitter in the Mouth on Wednesday, September 8th from 7pm to 9pm. Join Truong, acclaimed...