History of Rochelle Heights Neighborhood

 

The Rochelle Heights Historic District has been an integral part of New Rochelle's history since its design and creation in 1905. Once you pass through the Hamilton Avenue pillars, the homes in Rochelle Heights, and the painstaking preservation of their style, makes you feel as though you are stepping back in time. 

 

It was home to many truly amazing historical figures, including civil rights activists, musicians and actors, such as Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. In the 1960’s Ms. Dee and Mr. Davis were instrumental in integrating the neighborhood and creating the culturally and racially rich community we have today. They even collaborated with their neighbor, Mr. William Branch, a decorated playwright, television writer, producer and actor, on the PBS TV series, “A Letter from Booker T.” Rochelle Heights was often visited by the likes of Duke Ellington and a preferred jogging path for New Rochelle’s own Richard Roundtree, better known as Shaft.