An Abbreviated History of Sunnyside

Sunnyside's history began in the mid-19th century as farmland belonging to the Bragaw family, who owned much of western Queens. The area remained largely rural until the early 1900s when the construction of the Queensboro Bridge in 1909 and the expansion of subway service began transforming the landscape. The neighborhood got its name "Sunnyside" from the Sunnyside Hill area, and development accelerated after World War I. The most significant chapter in Sunnyside's history began in 1924 with the creation of Sunnyside Gardens, a planned garden community designed by architects Clarence Stein and Henry Wright. Commissioned by the City Housing Corporation and influenced by the English garden city movement, Sunnyside Gardens was one of America's first planned communities, featuring Tudor and Colonial Revival-style homes arranged around shared private gardens and courtyards. This innovative urban planning model emphasized community living and green space, making it a landmark in American urban development. By the 1930s, Sunnyside had become a thriving residential neighborhood attracting working and middle-class families. The area gained historic recognition when Sunnyside Gardens was designated a New York City Historic District in 2007. Throughout the decades, Sunnyside has maintained its diverse character, welcoming waves of immigrants including Irish, Italian, Romanian, Turkish, Colombian, and Asian communities. Today, with approximately 30,000 residents, Sunnyside preserves its architectural heritage and community-oriented spirit while evolving as a sought-after neighborhood that perfectly balances historic charm with modern urban living.