[4][5] Sunnyside Gardens includes one-, two-, and three-family homes, and a few apartment buildings, all made of Hudson brick.

The rental units in the two- and three-family houses enjoy private terraces overlooking the gardens.

The project grew out of discussions in the early 1920s about housing and planning; social critic Lewis Mumford and economist Richard T. Ely were leading participants.

Those covenants lapsed in the mid-1960s, and some homeowners rushed to claim their property, erecting fences into the middle of some courtyards.

With that designation came rules protecting the inner courts and landscaping, and prohibiting driveways and curbcuts, rear sheds, and additions.

The campaign was contentious and garnered publicity in major news outlets, including WNYC and the New York Times.

On April 17, 2007, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (NYCLPC) held a public hearing on the neighborhood, which was controversial, with 60 people speaking in favor and 25 against the designation.