The Alhambra Ballroom at 126th and 7th Avenue is surprising still intact but will it ever attract a major commercial tenant? More recently Harlem Lanes and contemporary soul-food restaurant tried to open at the historic site but this part of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard has failed to be destination site since better businesses have been moving into the neighborhood. That all might change now that things are picking up on the 125th Street corridor and a new development company has since purchased the entire building this past Spring
for $22 million. There is definitely enough space here for a large chain like Trader Joe's to arrive but only time will tell if such a business does come along. For more on the history of the Alhambra, check out our past post:
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Don't play with me Ulysses! I've been dreaming, hoping and writing letters to TJ's for the last 10 years.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the chances of a music venue like Webster Hall, Terminal 5, Music Hall of Williamsburg opening in Harlem? Maybe not the size of those venues but maybe 300-500 capacity room.
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous building and I would love to see something special here - perhaps another true destination restaurant (would need to be given rents). If I were the owner I would convert this from office back to residential on top floors. Prewar buildings (unless they are old industrial loft space) generally don't make great office buildings. Ditto with the Hotel Theresa - it is truly a sin to make that office space. This is an underrated location too - one avenue from Lenox with its restaurants, whole foods, and 2/3, and one block from FDB cooridor and not much farther to a/c and b/d.
ReplyDeleteGreat, as long as Harlem Artist and Craftsman Supply stays! It's been a much need boon for uptown artists and students.
ReplyDeleteMan, if Trader Joe's read this site (and maybe they do) they'd know that virtually every post triggers comments on the desire for them to move up here. Seriously, what are they waiting for?
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I think Anon's suggestion of an indie music venue is a good one. I'd also like to see Sephora in any of the venues along 125th.
Maybe also another movie theater that shows some of the artier films that they show at the 68th Street theater. Glad for the AMC on 124th but it shows a lot of action movies and comedies. We need a greater range.
As sad as it is - Tradjer Joes does NOT move into transitional neighborhoods unlike Whole Foods!
ReplyDeleteFor starters, it would be great to restore the cornices!
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