Mobile users, you may need to rotate your device or click the + sign above to see the full list of neighborhoods.

Gowanus - Brooklyn - NYC

I’ve only just begun my explorations of Gowanus. I will be returning in the near future for a dedicated tour of the neighborhood, so please keep checking the Updates page and my YouTube channel!

Gowanus is a mixed-use neighborhood in western Brooklyn. It is flanked by Carroll Gardens to the west and Park Slope and South Slope to the east. Boerum Hill is to the north, while Greenwood Heights reside to the south.

Gowanus slideshow:

The Neighborhood

Centered around the canal of the same name, the neighborhood of Gowanus balances industry, commerce and residences. Here there are sweeping vistas of Downtown Brooklyn, and Manhattan beyond. Additionally, there are historic residential blocks to give the neighborhood a cozy feeling as it is nestled between the more bucolic environs of Carroll Garedens and Park Slope.

Gowanus is a unique and evolving neighborhood located in Brooklyn, New York. Historically, it was an industrial hub with a heavily polluted canal running through it. However, in recent years, Gowanus has undergone a transformation, with many former factories and warehouses repurposed into trendy restaurants, art galleries and co-working spaces. The Gowanus Canal is also undergoing a multi-million-dollar cleanup effort. With an influx of new residents, Gowanus offers a diverse scene of restaurants, bars, and shops, along with a thriving artist community. Despite its ongoing changes, Gowanus remains true to its roots as a creative, eclectic, and gritty neighborhood that attracts residents and visitors alike.

Gowanus, a neighborhood located in the western part of Brooklyn, got its name from the Gowanus Creek, which was a tidal estuary that flowed through the area. The name Gowanus has been attributed to different interpretations, including a Native American term for "a place where marsh reeds grow," or the Dutch term "Gouwane," which translates to "a funnel or marsh with rushing water." The area was not always an industrial hub but became a major center for manufacturing in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its access to waterways and proximity to Manhattan. Over the years, Gowanus has undergone significant changes, including a continuing effort to clean up and redevelop the area. The neighborhood still retains some of its industrial character, but it is now increasingly popular for its thriving artistic community, restaurants, and nightlife.

Gowanus, Brooklyn is an industrial neighborhood located in the western portion of the borough. This area was named after the Gowanus Canal, which is a man-made waterway that runs through the neighborhood. Historically, the canal played a significant role in the development of the area, serving as a major transportation route for goods and materials. This led to the establishment of factories and warehouses along the canal, attracting a diverse range of businesses to the area. Over time, however, the canal became heavily polluted due to industrial waste and neglect. Despite ongoing efforts to revitalize the area and clean up the canal, it remains a prominent feature of the neighborhood's history and a symbol of its industrial past. Today, Gowanus is a dynamic neighborhood that boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a growing residential community.

Gowanus, a neighborhood in the western part of Brooklyn, is brimming with history and landmarks that have defined its identity over the years. The most recognizable landmark in the neighborhood is the Gowanus Canal, a 1.8-mile-long waterway that was once an industrial hub but is now undergoing a massive environmental cleanup. Other notable landmarks include the Coignet Stone Building, one of the first concrete buildings in New York City; The Bell House, a popular venue for live music and events; and the Brooklyn Lyceum, a former public bathhouse turned event space. Additionally, the Morbid Anatomy Museum, a now-defunct institution that focused on the intersection of death and art, was also once a prominent landmark in Gowanus. These landmarks, both old and new, contribute to the unique character of Gowanus and attract visitors and locals alike.

Gowanus, Brooklyn has been home to several famous people throughout the years. Some of the notable names include Jennifer Connelly, an Academy Award-winning actress who spent her childhood in the neighborhood. Comedian and actor Chris Rock was also raised in Gowanus and attended nearby James Madison High School. Another well-known artist hailing from the area is the late rap icon Guru, who was born and raised in Gowanus before becoming a member of the group Gang Starr. Additionally, acclaimed author and journalist Pete Hamill was born in Gowanus and spent much of his youth in the neighborhood. These famous individuals are just a few examples of the diverse and talented people that have called Gowanus their home.

BROOKLYN NEIGHBORHOODS

Click here for ALL Photos From Brooklyn:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters