Fordham, Bronx

The area was first settled in the 17th century by Dutch and English colonists, becoming part of New York City in 1874. Originally home to wealthy families and row houses, it transformed in the mid-twentieth century to a middle-class, residential neighborhood. But it was in the 80s and 90s that the neighborhood saw a revitalization in business and retail, with the opening of the iconic Fordham Plaza and Arthur Avenue, the neighborhood’s Little Italy. The area became a hub for small businesses and still remains so today.

Fordham University is a vital part of the community, having been founded in 1841. The university‘s mission centers on “cura personalis”, Latin for “care for the whole person”, and this spills over into the neighborhoods around it. The Fordham neighborhood and the University have a symbiotic relationship which has resulted in an array of fantastic community resources, such as the Rose Hill community garden, and the university’s Visual Arts Complex. The institution also employs many Bronx residents, in its campus services, and provides numerous internships and job opportunities for local area students.

One of the most notable things about the Fordham neighborhood is the stunning architecture. The neighborhood’s main attraction is the Fordham University campus, which contains buildings that are over a century old with various styles from the Gothic Revival architecture of Keating Hall to the grand neo-Romanesque entrance and façade of the Fordham University Church. Other notable buildings are the majestic Court of Appeals building in Joyce Kilmer Park and the grand Concourse Plaza hotel, which dates back to the 1920s.

The arts and culture scene in Fordham is thriving. In addition to the university’s Visual Arts Complex, there are many museums such as the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Pregones Theater, and a variety of galleries and exhibition spaces showcasing local and emerging artists. The Bronx Zoo, which is one of the largest urban zoos in the U.S., is nearby in the Southern Bronx and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Fordham is also home to one of the most famous “Little Italy’s” in the United States- Arthur Avenue. Established during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Arthur Avenue was originally populated by Italian immigrants who brought their culinary skills with them. To this day, the food is a main attraction with many famous family-run businesses such as the Arthur Avenue Retail Market which is home to the best Italian delicatessens, restaurants and specialty food shops.

Finally, Fordham has a strong community spirit. Residents take pride in their neighborhood, with an active and engaged community council that works closely with the elected officials to improve the area. They organize multitudes of free concerts, outdoor movies, and other events, which bring many people from all over the city to the area. Fordham is truly a place of culture and diversity where people come together to share in the best that this area of the Bronx has to offer.

In conclusion, Fordham is an amazing neighborhood, rich in history, steeped in culture, and a melting pot of people from different walks of life. It’s a community that has a lot to offer, from its beautiful architecture to its vibrant arts and culture scene, and the famous Arthur Avenue. Fordham University continues to be a bright light, serving as a conduit for growth and enrichment for both its students and the community at large. The Fordham neighborhood is a shining example of all that is great about New York City.