Construction Zone

[D'Snowth]

Sometimes I get to wondering, with Big Bird's nest area being blocked off by a collection of construction doors, what could have possibly been planned for construction in that area?

At the same time, I've seen a lot of pictures of Harlem and the brownstone houses that inspired Jon Stone to set the show on an inner city street... and I always see TONS of brownstone houses in a row, rather that just one standing alone as is 123, so this makes me wonder, do you think possibly another brownstone might have been planned to be built, but maybe Biff or Sully (lol) never got around to it, so a nest for Big Bird was built there instead?

 

[D'Snowth]

Never mind, I forgot that the construction zone next to 123 was supposed to be a playground.

 

[StreetScenes]

brownstones were popular in the late 19th century--they don't build new houses in that style or with those materials any more. you're right that they're usually row houses. you do see a lot of single ones these days, but it's generally because it's the only one left standing from that block. and in working & middle class neighborhoods like sesame street is supposed to depict, single brownstones are often next to empty lots. it's how the neighborhood uses the lot after urban decay, rather than delayed construction or a spot designated for a playground.