Exploring Brooklyn's Sunset Park Neighborhood, Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!

Join us to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month with a visit to Brooklyn's Chinatown! And that's just the first half of the tour - much more lies ahead!

RSVPs begin 10pm Tuesday, May 20th. Space is set aside for new members, first and 2nd timers who land on the waiting list. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request your spot.

The tour is free with a welcome donation to your guide by cash or Venmo at the end of the tour. Estimated walking distance is 5 miles. There is some up and down hill. You may want to bring water, snacks and sun protection. We will have a break as this is a 3.5 hour experience.

Directions: Subway or Ferry:
If coming by ferry from Pier 11 Wall Street, the best option appears to be
the 12:19pm departure on the South Brooklyn route.
https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/south-brooklyn/

Don't miss it but if you do, the Rockaway Express Route departs 12:46pm, arriving a few minutes past 1pm.
https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/rockaway/

Where to Find the Group:
Note that we will meet in front of Building A (pictured) which is about one block up from the ferry dock along the road. Address on google maps is 140 58th Street. Restrooms are on the main floor just past the lobby. I will be there to greet/direct you.

Subway: N and R lines to 59th Street in Brooklyn. Exit the subway on 58th Street. Walk west on 58th Street one block toward the elevated expressway and the waterfront. Continue down 58th Street until you reach Building A.

Other directions:
https://brooklynarmyterminal.com/visit

Tour Overview
This tour covers history, culture, architecture, current lifestyle and neighborhood features including the innovative and historic Brooklyn Army Terminal and Industry City (both located within Sunset Park). Industry City has become a hub for food enthusiasts and also hosts cultural events. It features the Japan Village marketplace, a food hall, several breweries and distilleries (Sake, Ginger liqueur, cocktails), visual art and indoor and outdoor.

Formerly known as the “US Army Military Ocean Terminal” or the “Brooklyn Army Base,” the Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT, pictured above) was built from 1918 to 1919 and served as the largest military supply base in the US through WWII. Today BAT is an affordable hub for modern industrial businesses, entrepreneurs, and working families in NYC and is a fully functioning industrial complex that houses over 100 businesses and 4,000+ manufacturing jobs. BAT also features a recently renovated Food Manufacturing Hub for small food manufacturing firms and space for fashion companies and garment manufacturers.

Designed by architect Cass Gilbert (The Woolworth Building, Alexander Hamilton Custom's House), the buildings themselves are a wonder to behold.

Sunset Park is a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and the more well-known Brooklyn neighborhoods. It also has a staggering variety almost like its own unique small city. Once home to the Canarsie Indians and then the Dutch in the 1600’s, the area was settled by Italian, Irish, Polish and Scandinavians in the 1800’s and early 20th century. Nowadays the area has vibrant Chinese, Asian and Latin American. Industry City is a place of innovation where artisanal food and unique retail meets entrepreneurship. There are about 40 food vendors.

Along our journey we’ll also see some distinctive and historic urban housing, quaint rowhouses and townhouses, expansive views from atop Sunset Park along with Chinatown and a bit of Little Mexico. We'll try to make some time for sampling local fast food in the bakeries, or perhaps some dumplings and street tacos.

We’ll end our adventure at Industry City where you can explore on your own, grab a bite to eat and use the restroom. There are about 40 food and drink vendors, food shopping, and is convenient to both the D and N subways at 36th Street & 4th Avenue.

Cheers from Hank
646-596-3005
hankorenstein@gmail.com