Crown Heights History: The Evolution of 391 Troy Ave

This series on Crown Heights History has been compiled by @crownheightshistory, a born and raised Crown Heightser, and shows some of the ongoing research taking place.

The evolution of 391 Troy Ave.

1940 as King Diamond Food Center.

1962 looks like it’s shuttered which make sense for the 1960s even though the big exit was in mid 60s.

1980s auto repair is again a representative of the time.

Interesting to know why Crown Heights had so many car repair shops these days. I’m sure it’s simply because many in the local black community used that opportunity to own their own businesses. You can still get your tires fixed without being ripped off at your local community member Tire Shop on Nostrand and Lefferts – that whole block is a call back to Crown Heights in the 80s. Back in the 1920s Bedford Ave was Automobile Row- Suzanne Spellen has article about that on the brownstoner. In general she has really good articles about the history of Brooklyn real estate.