
Starrett City, now often referred to as Spring Creek Towers, is the largest federally subsidized housing project in the United States.
Construction began on the 153-acre complex in 1972. The 46 apartment buildings, each with as many as 20 stories, were originally developed by the National Kinney Corporation, but when the Starrett Corporation took over, they named it Starrett City. The name changed once again in 1989 to Starret at Spring Creek, though it is now known as Spring Creek Towers.
In 1975, the first apartments were rented, with 65 percent of the apartments reserved for white residents and 35 percent for nonwhites. This quota system was abolished in 1979.












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.