Before demolition even started on some of the older buildings of Manhattanville last month, a small, single level commercial space has been waiting for its debut. Underneath the railroad tracks right before the Henry Hudson Parkway at West 125th Street, sits a modernist cube which has been constructed with various surface textures that incorporate glass, stainless steel panels and retro, 60's fireplace-looking staggered brick (constructed from wood blocks). We are assuming this is city owned property since there aren't any building permits in sight and the work has been in progress for the past year now. The interior is completely unfinished dry walls at this point. In our opinion, a river view coffee house would look great here since the west windows face the West Harlem Piers and the the Hudson River. The closest subway to this location is the 1 train at 125th Street. Photos by Ulysses
Before demolition even started on some of the older buildings of Manhattanville last month, a small, single level commercial space has been waiting for its debut. Underneath the railroad tracks right before the Henry Hudson Parkway at West 125th Street, sits a modernist cube which has been constructed with various surface textures that incorporate glass, stainless steel panels and retro, 60's fireplace-looking staggered brick (constructed from wood blocks). We are assuming this is city owned property since there aren't any building permits in sight and the work has been in progress for the past year now. The interior is completely unfinished dry walls at this point. In our opinion, a river view coffee house would look great here since the west windows face the West Harlem Piers and the the Hudson River. The closest subway to this location is the 1 train at 125th Street. Photos by Ulysses
This area has been organically evolving into Harlem’s very own equivalent of the Meat Packing District for some time now. This organic evolution is how the most interesting of Manhattans neighborhoods come into existence. The adjacent Columbia University development is the opposite of organic being many blocks simultaneously designed on a computer CAD system. Here is to hoping this micro neighborhoods charm survives being in the shadow of the great CU expansion.
ReplyDeleteThat's 712 West 125th Street. It's not City owned. It's owned by Columbia Waterfront LLC - whoever that is. There are some plans filed to fix up a restaurant and legally use the cellar as "accessory space" for the restaurant.
ReplyDeleteWestsider, I think organic growth is definitely the key word here and it's nice to see some small businesses still flourishing in this neighborhood on the cusp of revival.
ReplyDeleteJay, Thanks once more for your insight!
ReplyDeleteI think this space is new new home for the BBQ restaurant across the street.
ReplyDeleteActually, Dinosaur BBQ's new space will be on the opposite side of this building, in the larger, warehouse looking building.
ReplyDeleteThat used to be the 712 Club.
ReplyDeleteA dirty, illegal and wonderful bar that hosted bands like God Street Wine in the early '90s.
66k/mo? Someone can get that much for a place there? http://www.warburgrealty.com/property/471707&h=f4e40a6625a75fc58a950f0718d26970
ReplyDelete