The Crown Heights North Association, Inc. (CHNA) was founded on the issue of landmarking, but we are much more than that. is dedicated to not only landmarking, but to cultural heritage, our neighbors, especially our seniors, and our economic development. First organized by Denise Brown, Deborah Young, neighbors and friends in 2002, we’ve grown to be one of Crown Heights’ most important non-profit community organizations.
On April 27, 2007, with unprecedented community and political support, spearheaded by CHNA, Phase 1 of a multi-phased plan to landmark CHN was unanimously passed by the City Council. 472 buildings were the beginning of a larger Crown Heights North Historic District. Phase 2 was designated in 2011. Phase 3 was calendared immediately afterward, and designated in 2015. We are growing. We’ve got big plans, and we need your participation and support.
Pride ~ Preservation ~ Community ~ Roots
On April 27, 2007, with unprecedented community and political support, spearheaded by CHNA, Phase 1 of a multi-phased plan to landmark CHN was unanimously passed by the City Council. 472 buildings were the beginning of a larger Crown Heights North Historic District. Phase 2 was designated in 2011. Phase 3 was calendared immediately afterward, and designated in 2015. We are growing. We’ve got big plans, and we need your participation and support.
Pride ~ Preservation ~ Community ~ Roots
Our Mission
The Crown Heights North Association, Inc. (CHNA) is a charitable organization dedicated to the preservation of the historic buildings of the Crown Heights North community, and the revitalization, economic advancement, housing stabilization and cultural enhancement of its residents.
Recognizing and respecting the rights of homeowners, a major purpose of CHNA is to maintain an ongoing collaboration with community residents and business owners, to stabilize and preserve the architectural heritage of the housing stock. CHNA is committed to working with elected representatives, government officials, Community Board 8, and various civic organizations to secure and maintain their support. Crown Heights North Association's encompassing mission is to highlight the aesthetically valuable legacy of the many historic buildings concentrated in the neighborhood and to preserve the area’s marvelous heritage for posterity. 
2013 House tour Program cover
|
Our History
Crown Heights North Association, Inc. (CHNA) is a non-profit organization formed by a small group of concerned neighbors who, after reading a document prepared by The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1978 about the area’s landmark worthiness, decided to further investigate the possibility of the community obtaining Historic District designation.
During the 1970's, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Stuyvesant Heights and Crown Heights North were surveyed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to determine whether these communities were eligible for designation as Historic Districts. These Central Brooklyn communities were considered due to their vast wealth of "architectural jewels." There was a desire by concerned community residents and homeowners to preserve the quality and integrity of those treasures, and create cohesive communities that would be preserved and recognized for their historical value. That was 30 years ago. With the exception of Crown Heights North, all of the aforementioned communities are now Historic Districts and are enjoying the benefits of such an esteemed designation. The surveyed area roughly covers Crown Heights north of Eastern Parkway to Pacific Street; East to Albany Avenue and West to Grant Square. This area was referred to as Crown Heights North for the purposes of the study. Recognizing the chance for our community to become a historic district, the neighbors formed what is today known as Crown Heights North Association, Inc. (CHNA). Discussions ensued and enthusiasm grew as the group prepared to hold their first formal meeting, which ultimately took place in August 2002. CHNA has consistently worked toward its goal by seeking out technical assistance from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Historic District Council and other organizations in position to help us obtain landmark status. We have successfully received support from Community Board 8, local political leaders and community members. |