Foothill Malls facts for kids

Foothill Malls are a group of eight green spaces found in the middle of 193rd Street. They stretch between Foothill Avenue and Jamaica Avenue in the Hollis area of Queens, New York City. These "malls" are like long, narrow parks that make the street look beautiful.

What Are the Foothill Malls?

The Foothill Malls are not shopping centers, even though they are called "malls." Instead, they are green areas in the middle of a street. There are eight of these green spaces. They are located on 193rd Street, which runs through the Hollis neighborhood. These areas add a touch of nature to the city street.

How the Neighborhood Grew

The area around Foothill Malls has a rich history. In 1885, a man named Frederick W. Dunton bought a large piece of land. He planned to build a new suburban community there. This community was designed to be a nice place for families to live.

The northern part of this development was called Holliswood. It had winding streets and many green areas. Homes there were often single-family houses. South of Hillside Avenue, the land was divided into a grid pattern. This section was known as Hollis Park Gardens.

The Story of 193rd Street

The main road connecting these two new areas was first called Hollis Park Boulevard. Later, its name was changed to 193rd Street. This street was designed to be like a grand city boulevard. That's why it includes the green "malls" between Foothill Avenue and Jamaica Avenue. These green spaces make the street feel more open and pleasant.

Remembering Heroes: The Hollis World War Memorial

At the northern end of 193rd Street, near Hillside Avenue, you can find an important monument. This is the Hollis World War Memorial, which was put in place in 1920. It honors all the people from Hollis who lost their lives serving in World War One.

The memorial has a stone monument with a special plaque. This plaque lists the names of those who served in different branches. These include the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and even Canadian Forces. It also remembers those who helped through groups like the American Red Cross and YMCA. A flagpole stands next to the monument, reminding everyone of their sacrifice.