Belgian block streets can still be found throughout many historic neighborhoods in New York City. In some areas, they form the entire street surface, while in others, they may be partially exposed due to the wear and tear of asphalt pavement, revealing the historical roadbed underneath. These cobblestone streets exist within and outside of historic districts officially designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Within these districts, historic cobblestones are protected as an essential part of the district's overall character, just like the building architecture.
The stone pavement commonly found on streets throughout New York City is not cobblestone but rather a tooled type of granite called Belgian blocks. According to a 2017 report by the Historic Districts Council (HDC), these granite blocks are primarily rectangular and were used in various cities across the United States. They are distinct from cobblestones, which are naturally rounded, unprocessed stones that were used until around 1860.
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Over 26 blocks were rebuilt with restored or new Belgian blocks, upgraded drainage systems, new granite bike lanes, and historically accurate curbs and sidewalks. Tens of thousands of stones were removed, cataloged, and returned to their original locations, and even an asphalt block on Gold Street was converted back to full cobblestone. The project also delivered the new Pearl Street Plaza and unearthed nearly 2,800 artifacts dating back as far as the 1600s. The restoration not only preserves DUMBO’s iconic character but also makes these streets safer, smoother, and more resilient for future decades to come.
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