Visit the Bronx Capitol District!

Inspired by Paris's Champs-Élysées, the Grand Concourse was designed by French engineer Louis Aloys Risse. Its construction between 1902 and 1909 aimed to connect Manhattan to the northern Bronx, facilitating urban expansion and attracting residents seeking more spacious living conditions. ​

Located near East 161st Street, The Bronx Borough Courthouse was constructed between 1905 and 1914. This Beaux-Arts building served as a significant judicial center until the larger Bronx County Courthouse was completed in 1934.

The introduction of the IRT Jerome Avenue Line in 1917 provided critical subway access to the area, spurring residential and commercial development by making The Bronx more accessible to commuters. ​

In response to increasing attendance and the need for a dedicated venue, the New York Yankees constructed Yankee Stadium at East 161st Street and River Avenue. Opening on April 18, 1923, the stadium became known as "The House That Ruth Built," a testament to Babe Ruth's impact on the team's popularity.

Situated at Grand Concourse and East 161st Street, the Concourse Plaza Hotel opened its doors in 1923. It quickly became a social hub, hosting notable figures such as Babe Ruth and serving as a venue for significant events, including campaign stops by political figures like John F. Kennedy. ​

The 1930s saw the Grand Concourse lined with Art Deco and Art Moderne apartment buildings, reflecting the area's prosperity and architectural trends of the era.

The completion of the Bronx County Courthouse at East 161st Street and Grand Concourse in 1934 provided a new, larger judicial facility, further establishing the area's civic prominence.

Following World War II, The Bronx experienced demographic changes, with shifts in population and economic challenges leading to periods of decline in certain neighborhoods.

Efforts to revitalize the area included the designation of historic districts and the promotion of cultural institutions, aiming to restore The Bronx's reputation as a vibrant community.

A new Yankee Stadium was constructed across East 161st Street from the original, opening in 2009. The new facility aimed to provide modern amenities while honoring the legacy of its predecessor.

Following the demolition of the original Yankee Stadium, Heritage Field was established in 2010 on the site, serving as a public park and commemorating the historic significance of the location.