“SoBro” flows effortlessly off the tongue as though it were part of a nursery rhyme. But the story of this neighborhood—from “hell on earth” to a hip locale—is more complex than the name lets on.
For generations, SoBro, traditionally known as Mott Haven, was a crime-infested junkyard. In the 1950s and 60s, poor immigrant families were displaced from Manhattan due to massive urban renewal projects, and many relocated to the Bronx. Unwilling to take care of decaying rent-controlled properties, stingy landlords literally set their buildings on fire in order to liquidate their assets. In 1977, when a building near the World Series game at Yankees Stadium succumbed to flames, the announcer stated bluntly, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning.”
But a new wave of artists and young professionals seeking cheap rent and proximity to Manhattan are helping to bring Mott Haven back to life. Former factories, once on the brink of collapse, have been transformed into vast loft spaces. Abandoned storefronts now host cafes, art galleries, antique stores and bars. Stations along the 6 train, such as 138th Street, Brook, or Cypress Avenues, are now brimming with rush-hour activity not seen for decades.
Why might young professionals pick the South Bronx over other already gentrified areas? According to an article in The New York Times, some are attracted to the nabe’s industrial, edgy scene. Jonathan Mull, a teacher originally from Kentucky, has lived in Mott Haven for four and a half years. Once employed at a South Bronx school, he chose SoBro for its central location and his personal affinity for hip-hop music. Others are lured by the promise of inexpensive, spacious apartments. The average price per square foot of a Manhattan apartment is $1,115, compared to the Bronx rate of $189. For now.
Long-time business owners welcome the new residents, and are even adjusting to the tastes of the new wave, adding vegetarian options to their menus, for example. The owner of a neighborhood standard, Bruckner Bar and Grill, credits its business boom to the new residents. Customers who might have been hesitant about visiting the Bronx now find themselves returning to the bar’s warm atmosphere, conveniently located right off the Third Avenue Bridge. Even new businesses are choosing to spread their seeds in the growing neighborhood. Bronx Hydro and Garden, a unique plant store attributes the economy for their decision to open in Mott Haven, arguing that the nabe “is demanding green technology” and “is in dire need of healthy fruits and vegetables.”
Still, Mott Haven has a while to go before it changes completely. One resident, Nikki Brown, says crime still exists. “Cars are still broken into,” she says, “but I still feel pretty safe.” She argues that the increased gentrification is good for the neighborhood, and has led to a decrease in crime. Although SoBro has visibly improved and become safer, the owner of the Bruckner Bar and Grill says that, despite the changes, “the Bronx is still a bad word for a lot of people.” –Amelia Zaino
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Changing Scenes: A Gentrifying South Bronx
New Eltona apartment building by interloafer
“SoBro” flows effortlessly off the tongue as though it were part of a nursery rhyme. But the story of this neighborhood—from “hell on earth” to a hip locale—is more complex than the name lets on.
For generations, SoBro, traditionally known as Mott Haven, was a crime-infested junkyard. In the 1950s and 60s, poor immigrant families were displaced from Manhattan due to massive urban renewal projects, and many relocated to the Bronx. Unwilling to take care of decaying rent-controlled properties, stingy landlords literally set their buildings on fire in order to liquidate their assets. In 1977, when a building near the World Series game at Yankees Stadium succumbed to flames, the announcer stated bluntly, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning.”
But a new wave of artists and young professionals seeking cheap rent and proximity to Manhattan are helping to bring Mott Haven back to life. Former factories, once on the brink of collapse, have been transformed into vast loft spaces. Abandoned storefronts now host cafes, art galleries, antique stores and bars. Stations along the 6 train, such as 138th Street, Brook, or Cypress Avenues, are now brimming with rush-hour activity not seen for decades.
Why might young professionals pick the South Bronx over other already gentrified areas? According to an article in The New York Times, some are attracted to the nabe’s industrial, edgy scene. Jonathan Mull, a teacher originally from Kentucky, has lived in Mott Haven for four and a half years. Once employed at a South Bronx school, he chose SoBro for its central location and his personal affinity for hip-hop music. Others are lured by the promise of inexpensive, spacious apartments. The average price per square foot of a Manhattan apartment is $1,115, compared to the Bronx rate of $189. For now.
Long-time business owners welcome the new residents, and are even adjusting to the tastes of the new wave, adding vegetarian options to their menus, for example. The owner of a neighborhood standard, Bruckner Bar and Grill, credits its business boom to the new residents. Customers who might have been hesitant about visiting the Bronx now find themselves returning to the bar’s warm atmosphere, conveniently located right off the Third Avenue Bridge. Even new businesses are choosing to spread their seeds in the growing neighborhood. Bronx Hydro and Garden, a unique plant store attributes the economy for their decision to open in Mott Haven, arguing that the nabe “is demanding green technology” and “is in dire need of healthy fruits and vegetables.”
Still, Mott Haven has a while to go before it changes completely. One resident, Nikki Brown, says crime still exists. “Cars are still broken into,” she says, “but I still feel pretty safe.” She argues that the increased gentrification is good for the neighborhood, and has led to a decrease in crime. Although SoBro has visibly improved and become safer, the owner of the Bruckner Bar and Grill says that, despite the changes, “the Bronx is still a bad word for a lot of people.” –Amelia Zaino