Areaway A below-grade open space adjacent to or beneath a building's foundation, often enclosed by a low fence or wall, providing light and access to a basement level.
Areaways are common on older Manhattan and Brooklyn brownstones and can extend partly beneath the sidewalk itself, which is one reason some sidewalks in these neighborhoods are technically hollow rather than solid ground. Repairs near an areaway often require extra structural attention, since the sidewalk section may be acting as a roof over occupied basement space rather than sitting on ordinary compacted soil. An owner planning sidewalk work near an areaway should flag this early, since it can change both the repair method and the applicable specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Areaway
What is an areaway?
A below-grade open space next to or beneath a building's foundation, often enclosed by a low fence or wall, providing light and access to a basement level.
Where are areaways common?
On older Manhattan and Brooklyn brownstones and similar buildings.
Why do areaways complicate sidewalk repair?
The sidewalk section can extend over the areaway, effectively acting as a roof over occupied space rather than resting on compacted soil, which changes the structural requirements.
What should an owner do before repairs?
Flag the areaway early so the contractor can plan the correct repair method and specifications, and identify any structural review needed.