For latest news visit qchron.com 26THthe ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF QUEENS • 2023
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 22, 2023 Page 18
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Neighborhood cradles of creativity LIC and Ridgewood: two communities, growing and evolving with time by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor When describing the borough of Queens, perhaps one of the most def initive ter ms is the word “dynamic.” The borough is everchanging, while somehow maintaining its historical significance. This is perhaps most clear in the neighborhoods of Ridgewood and Long Island City, both of which have undergone a plethora of changes since their establishment — but have managed to maintain their integrity. “Both neighborhoods were settled at the same time, and the architecture is very similar,” said Bob Singleton, executive director of the Greater Astoria Historical Society. “Some developers worked in both communities at the same time so they actually resemble each other – for example, Mathews Flats, built by Gustav Mathews.” Ridgewood is considered one of the largest historic districts in the United States, with more than 2,900 buildings in 18 districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings reflect turn-of-the-century multistory Romanesque style with brick row houses and brownstones that are attractive to the eye — including the aforementioned Mathews Flats. The area was heavily influenced by German immigrants and left-
A heavily developed stretch of 31st Street with gleaming skyscrapers PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON in LIC.
wing politics. “There is a distinctive shift in that direction by people in their 20s and 30s today, with much of the goals, language, and discussions centered around many of the same issues being discussed in 1900 when both communities were being developed,” Singleton explained. Though Ridgewood has its fair share of similarities with LIC, you ng people a re especially attracted to it because of its similarity to a Brooklyn neighborhood. “I call it Ridgewick,” said resident Beatriz Alamonte, a recent college graduate who has lived in Ridgewood for just two years after relocating from Flushing. Ridgewood is a popular locale due to its being next door to Brooklyn’s Bushwick, and it echoes some of the same “hipster vibes,” as Alamonte put it. “My roommates and I were looking at Bushwick initially, and this is close enough,” she shared. Both Ridgewood and LIC have grown into high-energy locales, the latter after being heavily built up, m i r ror i ng a spect s of Manhattan. The neighborhoods are continuing to develop even today, with plenty of new members of each relocating from out of state. “People from the Midwest revitalized the area,” Singleton said. “They were not raised in cities. They were raised on plots of land. These people and their parents were usually professionals with some degree of education, so they brought about new ideas.” While LIC used to be home to a large number of factories, it has grown in creative distinction. The neighborhood, which is the largest in Queens, is now packed with luxury high-rises, beautiful parks and art museums sure to delight any creative type. The high-rises can be seen from far distances, and people not familiar with the area often mistake them for Manhattan buildings when viewing the skyline. “Both neighborhoods are brimming with cradles of creativity,” Singleton said. “When you get new people, you get new energy and new ideas. The other ideas continuously are examined because it has to refresh itself.” Some residents have said Ridgewood is becoming gentrified, with the rise of more commercial coffee shops, thrift stores, bars and chain restaurants — like the Panera Bread that opened its doors on
Customers sitting outside of Milk & Pull, one of Ridgewood’s many coffee shops. Residents believe there is an PHOTO BY STEPHANIE MEDITZ excess of newer commercial buildings, such as cafés. from countries in Europe. “It’s an June 12. “It could’ve been just a bakery interesting point, not a hopeless or something,” Alamonte said. “Or point. If you look closely enough, more housing. We could use some you see why they’re doing it. New more large apartment buildings materials, new styles. ” Singleton also noted that changwith cheaper rent.” Not everyone would agree with es are not new to either area. “Peothat statement. “I worry about the ple from all around the world are very large buildings. I hope not to coming here with ideas. Medicine, see more of them,” said Linda technology, science, art,” he said. Monte, recording secretary and “Every generation modifies its former president of the Greater skill set to address the challenges Ridgewood Historical Society. of its particular generation. And a city reinvents itself with Monte moved to Ridgewood every generation, harin the 1970s, and has a vest i ng t he latest deep appreciation for dynamic ideas. The the historical aspects FUTURE communities that are of the neighborhood. hit by that are the ones “The large buildEVOLUTION t h at h ave a g reat ings are disturbing to future.” me because I like the A r ia n na St i mpf ls m a l l s ca le of t he Fernandez, president of neighborhood that we the Greater Ridgewood Hishave,” Monte said. “It’s lowprofile, and I think that really torical Society, commented on the positive aspects of changes in her defines the neighborhood.” Of the neighborhood’s historical neighborhood. “Originally, Ridgearchitecture, Monte said, “Slowly, wood was mostly German and ItalI see the historical buildings disap- ian, but now it’s very multicultural, pearing. The ironwork, gate work... and I think that’s among the most The things that made these build- positive changes,” she said. The neighborhood holds a speings historic. We’re losing them.” LIC has had a similar issue — cial place in her heart, as she grew the architecture that made it up there, often spending time at unique is slowly disappearing. The her grandparents’ house — which area is turning into a mirror image she now lives in, and maintains the of Manhattan, with large high-ris- original architecture. “Ridgewood has a family, comes throughout the neighborhood. Singleton noted that architectur- munity feel to it, and that has al changes happen with new waves stayed the same. Young families of immigrants, especially those not keep moving in. I tend to know
everyone on my block and we look out for each other,” Stimpfl-Fernandez said. Christina Mayer is a resident of LIC, who moved there from her parents’ home in Rockford, Ill., during the pandemic. “I had just graduated, and I didn’t want to move back home. I got a remote job based in Manhattan, so LIC seemed like a great idea. It’s close enough, rent was cheaper and I was able to easily get a place with some roommates,” Mayer explained. “I’m not as much of a fan as I was in 2020.” The combination of rent going up and the heavily developed setting made for a less than ideal living experience for Mayer. “I honestly spend most of my time in other neighborhoods. I come to LIC to sleep,” Mayer said. “Sure, we have plenty to do here, what with all the cafés and art galleries and such, but I wish I would’ve moved somewhere a little more quaint.” When looking at the changes happening in both Ridgewood and LIC, it’s easy to forget that change is often an inevitable, natural occurrence with nearly every community. The newer generation makes its mark. As Singleton put it, “Look at young people, see what they’re doing and you can translate that. You’ll see the seeds of the future Q are being sown.”