Tree-Lined PLG Block Could Get Historic Landmark Status

PROSPECT LEFFERTS GARDENS, BROOKLYN — A tree-lined block off Bedford Avenue could receive landmark status if the city so decides.

The Landmark Preservation Commission will decide Tuesday whether to move forward with the Melrose-Parkside Historic District proposal, a public notice shows.

The proposal would designate as a historic district Parkside Avenue between Flatbush and Bedford avenues, where stand 38 row homes built at the turn of the 20th century, according to the commission's notice.

The proposed Melrose Parkside Historic Districts includes buildings designed by renowned architect Benjamin Driesler at the turn of the century at the behest of the Brown family, according to the Historic Districts Council.

The Browns wanted to promote the urbanization of Flatbush by subdividing their large estate, which included a botanical garden some conservatories, according to the Council's blog.

"Architecturally innovative, these dwellings did not imitate single-family rowhouses, but instead proudly signaled the presence of two apartments with separate entrances," the blog notes.

"The adjacent rows of two-family houses .... are somewhat more traditional in that they forgo the double entrances, but are nonetheless stylistically inventive."

At Tuesday's meeting — which will be live-streamed on YouTube at 9 a.m. — the Commission will decide whether to calendar the proposal.

This would be the first step in the designation process, to be followed with a public hearing, a public meeting, and a vote.