Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn (2017)

Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn references the historic Long Island Restaurant, an Art Deco establishment that operated on the corner of Henry Street and Atlantic Avenue from 1951 until 2007. This classic American greasy spoon diner served as a beloved neighbourhood institution for over five decades, with its iconic neon sign becoming a glittering reminder of Brooklyn's past and a local landmark for residents. The establishment closed abruptly in September 2007, with owners simply posting a “closed” sign and never returning, embodying the ongoing tension between preservation and progress in urban America. In 2013, the classic neon sign was removed for restoration, generating hope among locals. It was indeed restored by Let There Be Neon and reinstalled, creating what one observer called a “neon miracle.” Myrtle Avenue itself has repeatedly fallen victim to the pressures of urban transformation, with changing demographics in the local area and rising rent and housing prices.

The fact that Brooklyn technically sits on Long Island - as is playfully acknowledged by the restaurant’s name - adds another layer of cultural meaning, representing the authentic neighbourhood character that many fear is being lost to gentrification and corporate development. As part of Dylan’s The Beaten Path series, the piece serves to highlight the lesser-known parts of American life and history that are still revered by residents.