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Prospect Park South is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, within the community of Flatbush. It is bordered by Church Avenue to the north, the Brighton Line (B & Q trains at present) of the New York City Subway to the east, Beverley Road (originally spelled Beverly) to the south, and between Stratford Road and Coney Island Avenue to the west. Prospect Park South is patrolled by the NYPD's 70th Precinct.

In 1899 visionary developer Dean Alvord created Prospect Park South as a community of substantial homes. The motto he chose for the development was rus in urbe (country in the city). Its location was selected to take advantage of the train service on the Brooklyn and Brighton Beach Railroad of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT). The line, now known as the BMT Brighton Line, offered express and local train service that remains to this day. The trains emerged at Fulton Street as an elevated line and continued across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan.

The houses in Prospect Park South were required to be substantial, freestanding homes exceeding 3,500 sq/ft and costing over $ 5,000. Several other "restrictions" were placed upon builders wishing to develop the lots. Trees were planted along the property lines to block out adjoining houses giving the illusion that each house was the only one on the block. It was required that there be two grass medians, one along the property line and one curbside, with the sidewalk in between. While not the first attempt at suburban development in Flatbush, Alvord's vision of a rural park within the confines of a city block excited the interest of the wealthy of Brooklyn Heights, and of Manhattan residents. Ultimately, Alvord's restrictions not only created an exciting new design but a standard to become a blueprint for the modern suburb. Enthusiasm for his design in following years would see South Midwood, Fiske Terrace, Ditmas Park, Beverley Square and many more developments spring up in Flatbush to accommodate the demand.

The Alvord Mansion at 1522 Albemarle Road was built by Alvord for his family. Later, it was purchased by Israel Matz, founder of the Ex-lax Company. The Alvord Mansion burned down in approximately 1955 under mysterious conditions after its sale by the Matz family to apartment developers fell through in the face of community opposition.

Big Apple Chimney “The Brownstone and Pre-War Specialists” are Fully, Licensed, Insured and Bonded, Chimney and Fireplace Contractors. Primarily Servicing Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York, We also service the New York Metropolitan Area. Our Chimney and Fireplace Experts Specialize in Chimneys and Fireplaces for Pre-War Era Buildings including Brownstones, Townhouses and Carriage Houses.

Big Apple Chimney’s Mechanics and Technicians have been in the Chimney & Fireplace business over 20 years. We are a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited business with an A rating since 2006.

Big Apple Chimney offers Complete Chimney and Fireplace Services, Masonry and Complete Historical Restoration Services. We employ Master Masons, Master Carpenters, Licensed Plumbers and Licensed Electricians.

“We will send the right people to do the job, correctly and to your complete satisfaction”.

Call Big Apple Chimney today at 212-785-9788 to speak to our Chimney and Fireplace Specialists and request a free estimate. We service all residential and commercial customers. We are Family Owned and Operated with locations in NYC and Brooklyn.

Please call 212-785-9788 for 24 hour emergency service regarding your chimney or fireplace. We correct all Violations, if your heat has been turned off due to bad conditions, such as a blockage, a carbon monoxide leak, a draft, flue spillage, leaking soot or water, etc. Our Emergency Service crew is guaranteed to restore your Boiler or Hot Water Heater after a turn off. We are fully qualified to repair and restore your heat in the case of a gas, oil or electric company shut-off! We can also restore your heat and hot water if the Fire Dept., E.P.A. or any other city, state or federal government agency has shut you down. We also provide a full range of inspection services (including but not limited to infra-red camera scanning, carbon monoxide detection), smoke and air flow testing services, reports and affidavits required by NYC Building Code.

(Big Apple Chimney combines their expert knowledge in NYC building code with their unequaled experience in brownstone and pre-war buildings to provide their clients with the best chimney and fireplace service in NYC.)