Kew Gardens

Understanding Kew Gardens

The Mann family developed Kew Gardens around a new rail line and station in the early 20th century. Streets followed the terrain, while a village center combined shops with apartments above. The result included cottages, larger houses and apartment buildings.

Leo Ehrenreich moved to Kew Gardens in 1923 and campaigned for traffic signals, paving and playgrounds. After years of negotiation, the City bought the Austin Street playground site in 1947. It was renamed for him in 1963.

Ralph Bunche, the diplomat awarded the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize, lived with his family in a 1927 neo-Tudor house on Grosvenor Road. Its stucco, scattered stone and brick accents and timbering reflect the neighborhood’s revival architecture.

Places to explore

• Ralph Bunche House exterior

  115-24 Grosvenor Road

  Look from the public street at the gables and stucco walls. The house was Bunche’s family home, and landmark status does not offer visitors entry to its interior or garden.

• Ehrenreich-Austin Playground

  Austin Street, between 76th Avenue and 76th Drive

  Choose the play equipment, swings or ball courts. The site lies beside the Long Island Rail Road. Use the playground's actual entrance rather than assuming a direct connection across rail or major-road barriers.

• Kew Gardens Cinemas

  81-05 Lefferts Boulevard

  Choose a screening through the cinema's official ticket information linked by Art House New York. Check the current program before traveling.

Planning a visit

Choose the house exterior, cinema or playground entrance before planning transit.

Use public space for the house exterior. Ask the cinema about entry and access needs, and check the playground entrance and current conditions before traveling.