[EPISODE] Windsor Terrace

This week we journey to Windsor Terrace, in Brooklyn.

My guests will be Rediscovering New York regular David Griffin, Founder and CEO of Landmark Branding, and Jeremiah Fox, Windsor Terrace resident and owner of many businesses, including Della Restaurant, and Juice Box Wine and Spirits.

Segment 1

Jeff and his first guest David Griffin begin by talking about the boundaries of Windsor Terrace. Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery are two of the most well known locations. They then go into some of the history behind Windsor Terrace. The largest American Revolutionary battle was fought in the area. After the war, the land was extremely valuable because it’s located close to Downtown Brooklyn. John Vanderbilt and his wealthy family owned much of the land in the area. After Vanderbilt left, his land was sold to William Bell who renamed the area to what it is now. David then talks about some of the changes in Windsor Terrace after the Civil War.  

Segment 2

David talks about why the buildings in Windsor Terrace are so well preserved. The area is close to train stations but it’s just far enough from major landmarks in the city that there is a lot of privacy. David compares it to it’s a small town in New England. The residents cherish this area and dedicate themselves to keeping the appearance up. David compares the architecture between Park Slope and Windsor Terrace. Windsor Terrace has always been aimed at more of a middle class demographic than Park Slope and other neighboring areas. There was also a zoning change in Windsor Terrace in the 1980s, which limited the height of apartments. This was done to preserve the small-town feeling of the area. Windsor Terrace is home to a horse stable in the area, where people can get horse riding lessons. Farrell's Bar and Grill is a popular bar in the area and was one of the first bars open after the prohibition period ended. 

Segment 3

Jeremiah talks about his upbringing and how he decided to move to New York for school studying music. He talks about how his wife fell in love with Windsor Terrace after they stayed with a friend and how that made them decide to move there. Jeremiah talks about opening his businesses up in Windsor Terrace, which included a pop up wine bar subtleting out of a different business and the connection between the  pop up shop’s name and the history of Windsor Terrace. He describes more of his food and beverages businesses including The Prospector, The Fox and the Crepes, Della and a food co-op. Jeremiah talks about other businesses he’s involved in such as music and a martial arts studio. He describes the vibe of Windsor Terrace and what he likes about the area. 

Segment 4

Jeremih talks about some of the foods available at Della. He talks about how Windsor Terrace has changed over the years but also how it’s stayed the same. He talks about the mix of local and non-local customers that he gets and how the support of the community is necessary to the survival of Della. Jeremiah talks about other kinds of businesses he’d like to open up including a tattoo parlour. He gives advice to anyone looking to open up a business in the area and urges them to think about outside sources of revenue and be dynamic. Jeremiah talks about things he’s struggled with in Windsor Terrace and things he wishes were there that aren’t.