Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Addisleigh Park Is Now a Historic District
By
Garth Johnston
Published Feb 2, 2011
Modified Feb 2, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Feb 2, 2011
Modified Feb 2, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Just in time for Black History Month, the Queens neighborhood of Addisleigh Park has been designated our 102nd historic district. Built initially as an exclusively white community the neighborhood changing times (and a few lawsuits) led it to eventually become the home of some serious African-American stars. A few of the notables include Count Basie, James Brown, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horn, Joe Lewis and Jackie Robinson.
Today the neighborhood still has a large and affluent African-American population (about 90 percent of the area is black and it boasts an average household income around $80k) but it wasn't just home to black stars. Folks like Babe Ruth lived there as well. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can go and scope out their old stomping grounds (either in person or digitally) with this handy star map courtesy of the Historic District Council. Here, for instance, is where Ella Fitzgerald lived from 1949-1956.
Tagged
Addisleigh Park
babe Ruth
Count Basie
Ella Fitzgerald
Historic District
jackie robinson
james brown
Joe Lewis
Lena Horn
queens
W.E.B. Du Bois
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
Residents say several people living there are members of vulnerable populations.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 1:38 p.m. ET
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
In theory, New York's gubernatorial candidates can accept donations of up to $9,000. In practice, it’s way higher.
By
Jon Campbell
News
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
In theory, New York's gubernatorial candidates can accept donations of up to $9,000. In practice, it’s way higher.
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
NYC’s autumn foliage will be a fall feast this year
By
Rosemary Misdary
NY officials worry migrants will skip healthcare amid fed policy change
By
Caroline Lewis
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .