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The Brooklyn waterfront's colorful past pre-dates the existence of Dumbo - or "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass" - as we know it today.

History

Things to See and Do
- Places to see art
- Cultural events and venues
- Places to see and explore
- Restaurants & Bars
- Shops

History
Long before highways, bridges, and manufacturing buildings, as early as the 17th century, settlers clustered along the river's edge, making frequent river crossings to Manhattan in row boats. Robert Fulton's invention of the steam engine in the early 1800s added some bustle to the hamlet, creating a dense mixed neighborhood around the "Fulton Ferry Landing."

The construction of the towering Brooklyn Bridge, in 1889, cast a shadow over the neighborhood and altered it radically. It became a slum frequented by drunks and prostitutes, and the sweet residential atmosphere gave way to a dangerous and derelict no-man's land. By then Brooklyn was the fourth largest city in America.

Light industry also moved to the river's edge. Corrugated cardboard boxes, for example, invented by a Brooklyn paper-bag maker named Robert Gair in 1890, were first manufactured in the Gair Buildings on Washington and Front Streets. These massive structures were the largest reinforced concrete buildings in the U.S. at the time and they represented a significant and enduring architectural innovation. City Joinery's first workshop and showroom were located in one of the Gair buildings from 1998 to 2004.

Though most industry had vacated the neighborhood by the late 20th-century, Dumbo's manufacturing past is evident on every corner today. Freight rails still lie in the Belgian block streets. 19th-century brick warehouses and factories fill the area. Inhabitants of 56 Water Street, once a factory for the Manhattan Milling spice company, claim the scent of spice still lingers in the building.

Artists began moving into Dumbo and nearby Vinegar Hill in the 1970s. It is now a delightful mix of residences, light commerce, artists' studios and some manufacturing, and includes world-class artists Vito Acconci and Tom Otterness, both of whom who make Dumbo their place of work. We are proud to be part of this vibrant community.

Things to See and Do
What follows is a partial listing of some of Dumbo's attractions. A trip to City Joinery could easily include stops at some of these sites.


Places to see art
-	5+5 Gallery 111 Front Street 718-488-8383 http://fodde.com
-	Gallerie 63 Pearl Street 718-797-2557 http://www.thexpo.com
-	MF Adams Gallery 111 Front Street 718-852-4818
-	Smack Mellon Gallery 56 Water Street 718-834-8761 http://www.smackmellon.org
-	Come to the annual Dumbo Art Under The Bridge Festival in October to visit open studios, attend film/video screenings and see live street performance and outdoor art exhibitions. http://www.dumboartscenter.org
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Cultural events and venues
-	Barge Music http://www.bargemusic.org
-	St. Ann's Warehouse for theatre and live performance http://www.artsatstanns.org
-	Movies at the Fulton Ferry Landing in summertime http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org
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Places to see and explore
-	Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park & Brooklyn Bridge Park http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org
-	Playground at the foot of Washington Street
-	Scenic side streets such as Water, Plymouth, Hudson Streets
-	Brooklyn Bridge footpath and the stunning views of New York City's harbor
-	NY Water Taxi Quick trips to and from Manhattan by boat leaving Fulton Ferry Landing 212-742-1969 http://www.nywatertaxi.com
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Restaurants & Bars
-	Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory Fulton Ferry Landing Pier between Old Fulton and Water Streets 718-246-3963
-	Bubby's Brooklyn 1 Main Street at corner of Plymouth Street 718-222-0666 http://www.bubbys.com
-	Dumbo General Store 111 Front Street between Washington and Adams Streets 718-855-5288 http://www.dumbogeneralstore.com
-	Five Front 5 Front Street between Fulton and Dock Streets 718-625-5559
-	Grimaldi's 19 Old Fulton St. under the Brooklyn Bridge 718-858-4300 http://www.grimaldis.com/
-	Rice 81 Washington Street between York and Front Streets 718-222-9880 http://www.riceny.com/inside/brooklyn.html
-	River Caf? 1 Water Street at the foot of Old Fulton Street 718-522-5200 http://www.rivercafe.com
-	68 Jay Street Bar 68 Jay Street, at Water St 718-260-8207
-	Superfine 126 Front Street Between Jay and Pearl Streets 718-243-9005
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Shops
-	ABC Carpet & Home 20 Jay Street 718-643-7400 http://www.abccarpet.com
-	Blanc et Rouge Wines & Spirits 81 Washington Street 718-858-9463
-	City Barn Antiques 145 Front St. between Jay and Pearl 718-855-8566 http://www.citybarnantiques.com
-	Jacques Torres Chocolate Shop & Bakery 66 Water Street between Main and Dock Streets 718-875-9772 http://www.mrchocolate.com
-	West Elm 75 Front Street, corner of Main Street 718-875-7757 http://www.westelm.com
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20 Jay Street 2nd Floor Brooklyn, New York 11201 Tel 718.596.6502 Fax 718.797.2336 inquiries@cityjoinery.com