Midwood

Understanding Midwood

In the early twentieth century, builders developed freestanding houses in Fiske Terrace and Midwood Park using several popular suburban forms. Later, Brooklyn College’s Georgian-style campus brought a major public institution to the broader Midwood area. The historic district and college each have more specific geography than the familiar neighborhood name.

Di Fara opened at Avenue J and East 15th Street in 1965. Its operator's history remembers founder Dom DeMarco shaping dough, hand-cutting ingredients and finishing pizzas with basil. The shop adds food-business history alongside the district's suburban houses and community institutions.

Places to explore

• Avenue H station house

  Avenue H at East 16th Street

  The small shingled building began as the sales office for the Fiske Terrace development before becoming a station house. Its porch and hipped roof explain its domestic appearance.

• Di Fara at Avenue J

  Avenue J at East 15th Street

  The original corner shop offers pizza by the slice or pie. It is distinct from the operator's 1012 Kitchen location. Use the current restaurant page and menu before traveling; this guide does not establish today's hours, waiting time, seating or accessible entrance.

• East Midwood Jewish Center

  Ocean Avenue

  The congregation dates to 1924 and combines worship with learning and community programs. Its calendar is the place to choose an activity; a tourist tour is not promised.

• Midwood Library exterior

  975 East 16th Street at Avenue J

  The branch grew from a drug-store deposit station founded in 1912. The building offers a reference point for the history of neighborhood public-library service along Avenue J.

Planning a visit

BPL lists the Q and B6/B11/B49/B68 buses for its East 16th Street branch. Check current service to the destination you choose.

Contact the congregation about the activity and entry arrangements that interest you. Check MTA for current station accessibility.