The east corner of West 120th Street and Malcolm X/Lenox Avenue is probably one of the most beautiful in the city but also needs a bit of work to restore it to its glory days. The above photo shows the block as it was in the 1930's with its Empire-inspired mansard roof and pointed cresting. Busy storefronts can be seen holding court on this part of Mount Morris Park with a bustling street life. All of the buildings in this row had similar designs, with the rooftops completely matching throughout the block. The photo of the corner today shows a missing building at No. 204 Lenox, and the store front at No. 200 has been empty for a couple of years now (most recently a caviar bar of all things). On the south side of Lenox is the bakery Settepani, which is thriving these days, so just the right type of business needs to come in to make this corner complete once more. Maybe then, a developer will be inspired to restore the open lot in this landmarked part of the avenue. Take the 2,3 train to 125th Street to get to this part of town.
Archival photo courtesy NYPL
The east corner of West 120th Street and Malcolm X/Lenox Avenue is probably one of the most beautiful in the city but also needs a bit of work to restore it to its glory days. The above photo shows the block as it was in the 1930's with its Empire-inspired mansard roof and pointed cresting. Busy storefronts can be seen holding court on this part of Mount Morris Park with a bustling street life. All of the buildings in this row had similar designs, with the rooftops completely matching throughout the block. The photo of the corner today shows a missing building at No. 204 Lenox, and the store front at No. 200 has been empty for a couple of years now (most recently a caviar bar of all things). On the south side of Lenox is the bakery Settepani, which is thriving these days, so just the right type of business needs to come in to make this corner complete once more. Maybe then, a developer will be inspired to restore the open lot in this landmarked part of the avenue. Take the 2,3 train to 125th Street to get to this part of town. Archival photo courtesy NYPL
westsider said...
ReplyDeleteThis stretch of Lenox Ave. has some of the most stunning architecture and streetscapes in New York City. With the wide sidewalks now being utilized for alfresco dining, Lenox Ave. is for me, Harlem’s Champs-Élysées.
Lenox Avenue sidewalks are wide and a pleasure to navigate. The street is wide and full of potential. The buildings are also breath taking.
ReplyDeleteThis section of Manhattan is the best kept New York City secret. Let's hope the right folks come in and restore it. Many new boutiques already are starting to appear in the available store fronts. Just need those handful of buildings repaired and Lenox will be back to its original glory.
ReplyDelete