For those who remember the Williamsburg of long ago, or of even a decade ago, walking its streets can be disorienting. The Brooklyn neighborhood once characterized by factory buildings, vacant lots and streets lined with warehouses is now filled with glossy apartment towers, boutique hotels and upscale retailers. There have been many versions of Williamsburg over time. It was a place of tenements in Betty Smith’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”; a haven for Jews escaping persecution in Europe; and a stronghold for Puerto Rican, Dominican, Polish and Ukrainian immigrants. In more recent history, a neighborhood of mills, foundries and meatpacking plants became a cheap-rent paradise for artists. Then within a few short years, it became a prime destination for developers and international luxury brands. Video by Steven Kurutz, Ruru Kuo, Karen Hanley and Rebecca Suner Tap the link in our bio to immerse yourself in a timeline charting Williamsburg’s evolution, year by year. #williamsburg #timeline #brooklyn #newyork