[In-person tour] Downtown Brooklyn was once one of the busiest shopping districts in the country, known for its nationally known department stores. The postwar era saw the decline of the department stores, and an uncertain future for downtown Brooklyn. Recent years, however, have seen a complete reimagining of downtown as a place of luxury residential skyscrapers. In two walks, we will trace the history and recent transformations of this fascinating, and complicated, part of New York. For all tours, there are no refunds, cancellations, or exchanges unless we cancel a tour. Online registration closes one hour prior to the tour start time.