H A R L E M + B E S P O K E

☞ INTRODUCING: The Harlem FDBA

2012-01-30T10:02:00.000-05:00

The Daily News recently wrote a feature on the new Frederick Douglass Boulevard Business Alliances which focuses on mapping out the retailers in South Harlem. New Businesses such as the Harlem Shambles or 5 & Diamond are among the 45 shops listed on a map designed by FDBA but older, more casual establishments such as bodegas and gas stations are also represented. Most of the map's destination spots are in the area spanning from Central Park North's 110th Street border at the south end and 125th Street on the north side which has been called South Harlem or SoHa in the past decade. Read more about FDBA and see the map at the Daily News: LINK

☞ SEE: The Mystery of Chocolate at MJM

2012-01-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday, February 11th, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM, 4th Annual Chocolate day: The Mystery of Chocolate at the Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace between 160th and 161st Streets. Kick off Valentine's Day weekend with the popular Chocolate tasting event in one of the city's oldest free-standing mansions. Chocolate has always had a connection to the ritual of courtship. Celebrate the romance and mystery of “the food of the gods,” at the Morris-Jumel Mansion masquerade ball where history will come to life as you encounter the ladies of the house who will tell you about their intriguing lives. Tickets are $25 per person and $20 for members. Pre-paid advanced registration is required. Call 212.923.8008. More details at the MJM website: LINK

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

2012-01-29T13:45:00.001-05:00

Below is the list of last week's most viewed posts and comments.

1. ABV Wine Bar to Open in East Harlem (3)
2. Harlem Savour Opens on FDB (10)
3. Condos Converted to Group Home (36)
4. 1889 Lexington Townhouse Reduced (3)
5. Next Plans for Old Society Coffee (1)
6. Vinateria or Six Lounge at Gateway? (3)
7. 151 West 122nd Street in Contract (1)
8. Hobbs Court & The Ciena
9. What's Up with the Old Vinegar Hill? (2)
10.Hot Bread Kitchen at Harlem Shambles

☞ REMEMBER: Grant's Tomb at Night c. 1915

2012-01-27T17:00:00.001-05:00

An old postcard from 1915 shows the spectacular view of Grant's Tomb at night through the perspective of the outdoor patio at the Claremont Inn. This seating area which was at 124th Street and Riverside Drive was illuminated at night and apparently the ships along the Hudson also had a predisposition to turn on the lights while passing by during evening hours. As everyone knows by now, the tomb is still there and has been restored but the fabled inn is long gone.

Haberman's, Grant's Tomb and the Hudson River by Moonlight, New York City, ca. 1915 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 312 West 138th Street Townhouse

2012-01-27T14:19:00.000-05:00

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, January 29th, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM. A 16-foot-wide SRO building is currently showing for the first time at 312 West 138th Street for an initial asking of $789K. The location is just a couple of blocks away from St. Nicholas Park and the local train but there's not too much else going on in the immediate residential area. An out of date Certificate of Non Harassment is apparently on file and the lack of interior photos probably means a gut renovation is needed. More at the broker site: LINK

☞ DRINK: Vinateria or Six Lounge at Gateway?

2012-01-27T12:00:00.002-05:00

A few of the Gateway Tower condo storefronts at 2098 FDB/8th Avenue have been empty in the past year but the news of a wine bar arriving had previously peaked our interest back in November: LINK. The moniker Vinateria had previously been mentioned at the local community board meeting last year which sounded like it would an establishment with a better aesthetic. Walking by the block between 113th and 114th Street this week, we noticed that an announcement for the yet to be established space has a new name listed as Six Lounge which does not sound so inspiring. Anyone know what's going on here?

☞ INTRODUCING: Police Work 1972-1979

2012-01-27T10:09:00.001-05:00

Through March 18th, Police Work: Photographs by Leonard Freed at The Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at East 103rd Street. Police Work: Photographs by Leonard Freed, 1972–1979 features a selection of vintage prints by the Brooklyn-born photographer who documented "life on the beat" with NYPD officers during the tumultuous 1970s. During a time when New York City faced near bankruptcy and was internationally notorious for its high crime rates and social disorder, Freed's photographs reveal the complexity, the harshness, and the camaraderie of the city's public safety servants and the people they protected. Highlighting a recent gift to the Museum of the City of New York by his widow Bridgette Freed, the exhibition is a gritty, realistic portrait of ordinary people doing a "sometimes boring, sometimes corrupting, sometimes dangerous and ugly and unhealthy job." More details at the MCNY site: LINK

☞ SEE: Around Harlem this Weekend

2012-01-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

Friday, January 27th, Red Tails screenings in Harlem, AMC Magic Johnson Theater, 2309 FDB/8th Avenue and 124th Street. The film based on the World War II Tuskagee airmen will be showing at Harlem own AMC Theatre starting this weekend. For more details and times, check out the Fandango page: LINK

Saturday, January 28th, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Harlem Flo Lifestyle Boutique event, 2276 FDB/8th Avenue at 122nd Street. Check out the Grand Opening of the Harlem Flo's Lifestyle Boutique with many featured artists and designers. From Paris- Jewelry designer to the stars Kareenm Fadika and the tunes from DJ Stormin Norman. For more details, contact: info@HarlemFlo.com

Sunday, January 29th, 1:00 PM, Kira Lynn Harris: The Block | Bellona at the Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 West 125th Street . Enjoy an interactive and informative tour of Kira Lynn Harris: The Block | Bellona led by a knowledgeable Museum educator. Kira Lynn Harris reimagines The Block (1971), Romare Bearden’s iconic, six-panel, eighteen-foot-long collage depicting life in Harlem. Bearden’s “block” is occupied by a church, a grocery store, a barbershop, apartment buildings and the people of Harlem who inhabit those spaces. RSVP for this free tour: LINK

Sunday, January 29th, 7:30PM, COMEDY COVO at COVO's upstair lounge, 701 West 135 Street and 12th Avenue. Come check out the monthly comedy show with some of NYC's best comedians in one of Harlem's most unique lounges (top of a former railroad station). Hosted by NYC comedian William Mullin, this Sunday night show features comics Dan St. Germain, Naomi Ekperigin, Carmen Lynch, Bernadette Paulie and DJ legend Chris Washington. This FREE comedy event also features half price paninis, $3 beer and $5 drink specials. www.CovoNY.com

☞ SUBSCRIBE: Harlem Bespoke via Email

2012-01-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

Get daily Harlem Bespoke posts via email the moment they are published by subscribing below. There's also the Harlem Bespoke Facebook site so "like" us today and get connected: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: Aerial of the Claremont c. 1935

2012-01-26T17:01:00.002-05:00

A postcard from 1935 shows the positioning of the Claremont Inn over at Riverside Drive and 124th Street before it burned down years later. One can see how the location and the views at the historic inn made it an attraction for those who were looking for a bit of respite uptown. We wished we could have seen it back in the day but only a public park stands on the spot currently.

Lumitone Press Photoprint, The Claremont Inn, New York, ca. 1935 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: The Park Lane Condominiums

2012-01-26T14:34:00.000-05:00

A current press release has it that 12 apartments are left at The Park Lane, a classic six-story with elevator, prewar condominium at 118 West 112th Street, near Lenox Avenue in South Harlem. Remaining units in the adaptive reuse building consist of a single one-bedroom, four two bedrooms and seven three-bedrooms with prices starting at $350K. Central Park is probably the most attractive part of this location since it is only 2 blocks away and the express 2,3 train is also close by. Not much else is in the immediate area but the FDB corridor and the Mount Morris Historic District is just a short walk away in either direction. Checking on Streeteasy, only 8 units appear to be currently listed alongside 9 that have been sold in the past: LINK

☞ READ: Harlem Tavern in the News

2012-01-26T12:39:00.000-05:00

Today's Daily News takes a closer look at the popular Harlem Tavern and how the outdoor dining destination is providing services during the colder months. The new outdoor eatery has 200 seats open during the warm seasons but encloses the patio with a tent for colder weather which then accommodates 140 people. Heat lamps are also part of the picture and will keep the outdoor diners warm until the full patio opens up again in April. Since converting an old gas station into an affordable beer garden back in July, the Harlem Tavern has proven that an affordable but nice outdoor dining option can survive year round uptown: LINK

☞ EAT: Harlem Savour Opens on FDB

2012-01-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

Reader tips have been coming in on the new seafood takeout joint that replaces the shuttered Just Wingin It store at FDB/8th Avenue and now it appears that said establishment has opened. We walked by this week and saw that the eatery was indeed open and another reader sent in the above photo this past Monday. A few folks were eating inside which had seating available but the main attraction here is apparently the high tech ordering systems which features iPads. Has anyone tried Harlem Savour yet?

☞ SEE: The Kwame Brathwaite Exhibit at HSA

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

February 8th through March 5th, Kwame Brathwaite, Celebrating 50 Years of Images: African-American Icons & Legends in Arts, Politics and Culture at HSA, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue and 142nd Street. The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) presents notable photographer Kwame Brathwaite, Celebrating 50 Years of Images: African-American Icons & Legends in Arts, Politics and Culture. As part of the HSA Family Enrichment Series, generously underwritten by ConEdison, the exhibit features photographs of legends including Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, and Michael Jackson as well as icons such as Stevie Wonder, Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Judith Jamison and more. www.HSAnyc.org

☞ REMEMBER: The Westminster circa 1910

2012-01-25T17:10:00.001-05:00

An old photo from 1910 shows the building that used to stand over at St. Nicholas Avenue and West 145th Street. The other three prewar structures are intact at this intersection of Sugar Hill but this fourth corner has a more modern construction on it nowadays. Some of the areas prewar complexes were neglected in the most recent decades and thus had to have been replaced at one point in time or another along the 145th Street corridor.

Thaddeus Wilkerson, The Westminster, New York, ca. 1910 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 131 West 130th Street in Contract

2012-01-25T14:49:00.000-05:00

The 18-foot-wide shell at 131 West 130th Street has gone into contract after being on the market for just 10 days. Located between Lenox and ACP/7th, this brownstone is on a block with lots of potential but a handful of neglected buildings still remain. Another notable point is that the Central Harlem townhouse appears to be an SRO and it is unclear if the current $779 asking price includes a Certificate of Non Harassment .

☞ SHOP: Next Plans for Old Society Coffee

2012-01-25T12:12:00.000-05:00

Society Coffee had been one of first businesses to launch the new restaurant row at the lower FDB corridor several years ago but there has been no activity at the space since it shuttered in the latter half of 2011. A Bespoke reader has now reported that they recently talked with one of the successful new business owners along the corridor and that said proprietor will be taking over the space in the future. So what will be arriving on FDB/8th Avenue and 114th Street going forward? Apparently a new cafe will once more debut on this corner if all goes as planned so stay tuned for more details.

☞ REVIVE: Bricks at 5 West 127th Street

2012-01-25T10:32:00.002-05:00

All of the foundation work finished this past July at 5 West 127th Street and there has been some major progress over the months on the new condo construction. A photo taken this past week of the 13-unit building in Central Harlem shows that it has already topped off and is now getting all the brickwork done on the facade. The 13-unit building located just west of 5th Avenue is probably one of the newest developments to come along this past year. There has not been too much new activity in larger condo construction as of late and this smaller building built on an empty lot will be one of the first ones to be completed in the next year or so. Check out our past post for a rendering of the final design: LINK

☞ LISTEN: Stage for Debate at the Schomburg

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday, February 2nd, 7:00 PM, Stage for Debate: Steve Stoute and Bill Rhoden at the Schomburg, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard/Lenox Avenue at 135th Street. Join Billboard editor Danyel Smith as she moderates a debate on the notion of "post-blackness." How does race matter in the today's worlds of business, sports and music? Stoute, marketing guru and chairman of Carol’s Daughter, recently published The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Culture Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy, and Rhoden is the author of Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete.

Free! Registration requested at www.schomburgcenter.eventbrite.com or call (212) 491-2040. For more detailed program information, visit www.schomburgcenter.org/calendar.

☞ REMEMBER: Hudson-Fulton Parade on Lenox

2012-01-24T16:56:00.000-05:00

We have seen several photos of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration in 1909 but most of them have been by Riverside Drive. An image of a parade during this time shows an one particular event that actually traveled through Central Harlem. The above float photo was taken at Lenox Avenue and 133rd Street and was one of many that traveled through Harlem as part of the city wide celebration of Henry Hudson's discovery of the river that would be named after him.

Hudson-Fulton Celebration, September 29th, 1909 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 1889 Lexington Townhouse Reduced

2012-01-24T14:07:00.002-05:00

What could be the most expensive SRO building on the market in East Harlem appears to have reduced its asking price back in December. Number 1889 Lexington Avenue is an occupied building with 8 units that was up on the market for $1.25 million this past summer. The shabby building is surrounded by some new construction at East 117th Street and is close to the subway stop on the corner of 116th Street but was not able to find a buyer in 2011. Now the price has been reduced dramatically and the property is going for $800K. This is one of the only townhouses facing the avenue that is left in the area so it will be interesting to see if it sells at the new asking price.

☞ EAT: East Harlem IHOP to Open in January

2012-01-24T12:08:00.000-05:00

A Bespoke reader has submitted a photo of the new East Harlem International House of Pancake and provides proof that it will open by the end of the month. The location is at the new commercial building on the corner of 126th Street and Lexington Avenue which should have improved pedestrian traffic because of the new arrival. IHOP has been expanding in NYC and this will the second location uptown.

☞ READ: Condos Converted to Group Home

2012-01-24T10:03:00.004-05:00

DNAinfo reports on how the local community board is contesting the condo purchase of a non-profit organization that establishes housing for young men with disabilities. The Savoy West at West 138th and Lenox is being pitched as a luxury development but two of the last units are now under negotiations to convert into a group facility. Communtiy Board 10 of Central Harlem has apparently been voting against having more of such facilities open uptown and argue that there are already enough of such establishments for the disabled, former addicts or ex-convicts. To the developer, this is just another condo sale but apparently CB10 has a say in this transaction and will eventually have to prove that Harlem is overly saturated with this type housing. Read more in DNAinfo: LINK

☞ SHOP: Hot Bread Kitchen at Harlem Shambles

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hot Bread Kitchen has established facilities over at La Marqueta in East Harlem but has not been selling at any uptown stores until now. We have seen Hot Bread Kitchen's offerings sold at occasional street fairs but not much elsewhere in Harlem. That has all changed recently since the non-profit bakery now has teamed up with the new Harlem Shambles at 2141 Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 115th Street. The artisanal butcher shop in South Harlem will now be selling a selection from Hot Bread Kitchen so stop by to get the freshly baked goods made locally alongside that side of grass fed cut of meat. Learn more about Hot Bread Kitchen from our past post: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: After the Snow on Lenox c. 1900

2012-01-23T17:04:00.001-05:00

An old photo taken sometimes during the turn of the previous century shows what the aftermath of a major snowstorm looked like uptown 100 years ago. There apparently was around 15 inches altogether at the time the image was taken and the above piles were located just north of 125th Street on Lenox Avenue. There does not seem to be much of this stuff around for January 2012 but most should expect one more big storm by the time February ends.

Robert L. Bracklow (1849-1919), 125th Street and Lenox Avenue after 15" of Snowfall via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 151 West 122nd Street in Contract

2012-01-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

The brownstone with the notable modern renovation at 151 West 122nd Street has been on the market for a few years now and finally has gone into contract. Located between ACP/7th Avenue and Lenox, the 20-foot-wide brownstone has a complete gut renovated interior that is officially environmentally efficient (LEED certified) and this makes it a one of a kind building for the neighborhood. The original price was at almost $3 million a few years back but the asking slowly decreased down to $2.49 million in the past year. Check out the interior photos after the jump.

This single-family, 4,750 Square foot home has contemporary finishes and many of the floors have a loft like feel to them. All the original details are missing on the inside but the exterior facade is quite impressive. The block itself has a hefty dose of historic architecture and is close to the express train and local shops on Lenox. It's one of the pricier homes on the market and has been around for couple of years so the final selling number will be one to look out for.

☞ SHOP: What's Up with the Old Vinegar Hill?

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

A Bespoke reader sent in some evidence that the rumors of a major chain arriving at the former restaurant spaces by West 137th Street and Broadway might actually be true. This corner of West Harlem used to have the Mexican eatery Tres Pasos, the Vinegar Hill sandwich shop and Cafe Largo but all have been shuttered for over a couple of years now. Notices had been posted stating that these establishments would open once more but now the spaces are being gutted into one large storefront. Furthermore, that gourmet deli sign that has been hanging out front in the past year seems to also be something that might not really be happening. More photos and what is possibly arriving to this retail row after the jump.

There have been reports that a Duane Reade will open in this part of Harlem and based on some of the DOB paperwork currently up on site, it appears that this might just happen. The lower photo shows a permit that states a new pharmacy store will be set up at this particular corner uptown. Considering the size of the combined spaces altogether, it would now make sense that a large chain store will be arriving sometimes in the future.

☞ EAT: ABV Wine Bar to Open in East Harlem

2012-01-23T10:06:00.000-05:00

The Earl's Beer & Cheese spinnoff restaurant over in East Harlem appears to be ready to open soon. New York magazine reports that ABV Wine Bar will debut soon at 1504 Lexington and 97th Street by next weekend with a total of 60 seats within the eatery. This is good news since the popular Earl's spot which is on the same block apparently is tiny in comparison. Check out the menu and slide show at New York magazine: LINK
Photo Courtesy Michelle Feffer for New York Magazine

☞ SEE: Comedy Sunday at Covo

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 29th, 7:30PM, COMEDY COVO at COVO's upstair lounge, 701 West 135 Street and 12th Avenue. Come check out the monthly comedy show with some of NYC's best comedians in one of Harlem's most unique lounges (top of a former railroad station). Hosted by NYC comedian William Mullin, this Sunday night show features comics Dan St. Germain, Naomi Ekperigin, Carmen Lynch, Bernadette Paulie and DJ legend Chris Washington. This FREE comedy event also features half price paninis, $3 beer and $5 drink specials. www.CovoNY.com

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

2012-01-22T09:17:00.001-05:00

Below is the list of last week's most viewed posts and comments.

1. What's Next for Lower Lenox? (12)
2. Pink Teacup to Relocate to Harlem (11)
3. The Claremont Inn circa 1910 (2)
4. Bleu Violin Arriving at 1400 Fifth (4)
5. 56 Hamilton Terrace Sold in December (5)
6. 341 West 122nd Street Brownstone (2)
7. 471 West 140th in Contract
8. Signage Up at New Seafood Shop (3)
9. Update at 227 Lenox (1)
10.227 Lenox Avenue Towhnhouse (2)

☞ REMEMBER: River Views at the Claremont

2012-01-20T17:01:00.001-05:00

Another photo of the Claremont Inn taken in 1938 shows the Hudson River view from the outdoor patio that used to be a main attraction during the warmer season. This section would have been on the west side of the local landmark that was on at 124th Street at Riverside Drive and one can see the George Washington Bridge in the distance. A fire burned down everything by the 1950s and the above image is only one of the few photos ever taken of the actual grounds of the estate.

Gottscho-Scheisner Inc., Claremont Inn, Riverside Drive and 124th Street, August 14, 1938 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 341 West 122nd Street Brownstone

2012-01-20T14:18:00.000-05:00

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, January 22nd, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM. A new listing on the market is reaching for the higher asking price of $2.85 million for a 16-foot-wide, 2-family home at 341 West 122nd Street which is just by Morningside Park. Original details have been restored in this one but the bathrooms and the kitchens are decidedly modern. The location is on one of the more peaceful brownstone blocks in South Harlem and close to transportation and shops but will it get the higher asking price? More photos at the broker site: LINK

☞ DRINK: Bleu Violin Arriving at 1400 Fifth

2012-01-20T12:03:00.001-05:00

The former Ginger restaurant space at the 1400 Fifth Avenue reportedly will have a new tapas restaurant arriving soon and a reader submitted the second photo that just appeared out front of the commercial space. Apparently the establishment planned for this corner of West 116th Street has been named Bleu Violin and will now be mainly a lounge. This is a big space with about 3,000 square foot altogether so the spot will have to keep pretty busy during the week to be successful. A website has been established for the new South Harlem venture but not much information can be found on the establishment at this point in time: LINK

☞ REVIVE: Update at 227 Lenox

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

A few Bespoke readers showed up for the first open house at 227 Lenox this past Wednesday and have reported that the property is apparently no longer up for auction. The 26-foot-wide building formerly used as a church peaked the interest of potential buyers with its $400K suggested starting bid and the first event drew a robust crowd. An original bankruptcy auction date was set for February but now there are reports that the trustee of the property has accepted an offer. Whatever the case may be, there still is a Streeteasy listing up for the next open house for this landmark in the historic district at 121st Street: LINK

☞ SEE: Around Harlem this Weekend

2012-01-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

Friday, January 20th, Red Tails movie debut in Harlem, AMC Magic Johnson Theater, 2309 FDB/8th Avenue and 124th Street. The film based on the World War II Tuskagee airmen will be showing at Harlem own AMC Theatre starting this weekend. For more details and times, check out the Fandango page: LINK

Saturday, January 21st, 1:00 PM, Freedom Songs at the Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 St. Nicholas Avenue and West 123rd Street. Oscar-and-Grammy nominated IMPACT Repertory Theatre examines the history of civil rights in America through song, dance and spoken word. The suggested donation for this performance is set at $5 and those interested can RSVP at RSVP@dwyercc.org. More details for this event can be found at the Dwyer site: LINK

Saturday, January 21st, 10:00 PM, Zemog El Gallo Bueno at Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue), between 133rd and 134th Street. Zemog El Gallo Bueno plays 21st Century Latin music, reflecting all of the contradictions and cultural tensions of what it means to be Latin in America. Get more details on this performance and check out all the other shows this week at Harlem's new music venue: LINK

Sunday, January 22nd, 1:00 PM, Who, What, Wear Gallery Tour at the Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 West 125th Street, east of ACP/7th Avenue. Enjoy an interactive and informative tour of Who, What, Wear: Selections from the Permanent Collection led by a knowledgeable Museum educator. Who, What, Wear looks at evolutions in style—self-expression, fashion, artistic technique and societal ideals of beauty—as seen through the Studio Museum’s permanent collection. RSVP at the Studio Museum site: LINK

Sunday, January 22nd, 7:30 PM, Hit Me With The Music at Maysles Cinema, 343 Lenox Avenue at 127th Street. 30 years after Bob Marley's death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved to produce a new genre, Dancehall. Hit Me With Music is the first comprehensive documentary about the Jamaican dancehall scene, giving dance, style and fashion an equal treatment to its music. $10 suggested admission. More details at the Maysles Cinema site: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: Harlem's Tuskegee Airmen

2012-01-19T17:00:00.001-05:00

Below is an a post from last February which honors the passing of a Harlem Tuskagee.

Lee A. Archer Jr. who was one of the prominent members of the Tuskegee Airmen during WWII, past away last year at the age of 90. Born in 1919, Mr. Archer would dream about becoming a pilot while growing up in Harlem. During the war, the armed forces were still very segregated and flying into combat was a responsibility not previously bestowed upon African-Americans. The four squadron Tuskegee Airmen would prove time and time over that the all black unit could prove their mettle and Mr. Archer would be key pilot in shooting down several german planes over a battle in Hungary.

Lee Archer visited Iraq about five years ago and witness the modern day version of his air unit. He told the associated press, “This is the new Air Force...black, white, Asian, Pacific Islanders, people from different parts of Europe.”

“This,” he said, “is what America is.”

Read more about one of the last Tuskegee Airmen from America's greatest generation in the NY Times obituary: LINK. Photo courtesy of the Archer Family via the New York Times

☞ DWELL: Ellington on the Park 95 Percent Sold

2012-01-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

Another early press release for 2012 has it that Ellington on the Park located at 130 Bradhurst and 148th Street is now at 95 percent sold. According to the developers, 11 closings have been completed in the last part of the year at the new development facing Jackie Robinson Park. Of the 133 units, only 7 units remain which include; 2 two-bedroom, one-bathroom homes, 2 two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes and 3 three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes, which range in price from $435,000 - $649,000. Checking up on Streeteasy, it does appear that 7 units are left and one of the last contracts for 2011 closed in late December: LINK. More details at: www.EllingtonOnThePark.com

☞ SHOP: Karrot Closing in January

2012-01-19T12:03:00.000-05:00

We have received noticed that one of the pioneer shops along the FDB corridor will be closing at the end of the month. A Bespoke reader talked with the owner Carlo who has confirmed he will still keep open Karrot's Brooklyn branch but reveals that the Best Yet supermarke's opening up the block has slightly affected his business. Harlem's Karrot health food store located on West 117th Street and FDB/8th Avenue will be shuttered on Saturday, January 28th so drop before then to see this business off.

☞ INTRODUCING: Red Tails Debuting on Friday

2012-01-19T10:00:00.004-05:00

Friday, January 20th, Red Tails movie premier nationwide. A lot of Harlem media organizations are rallying behind George Lucas' film loosely based on the true story of the Tuskagee pilots of World War II. The big budget film which retells the struggles and triumphs of one of the first group of African American servicemen who were inducted into a segregated U.S. Army Air Corps has historical and social merits but the film industry had no confidence in its production.

George Lucas' company had a hard time getting financial backing for this picture and has openly stated that Hollywood does not have faith in an all minority cast leading a big budget film so its success might be the barometer for future blockbuster features. Red Tails also has a little to do with Harlem's history since some of uptown's sons have fought for the nation during this time period and politician Percy Sutton was part of the Tuskagee squadron. www.RedTails2012.com

☞ LISTEN: Freedom Songs at the Dwyer

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 21st, 1:00 PM, Freedom Songs at the Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 St. Nicholas Avenue and West 123rd Street. Oscar-and-Grammy nominated IMPACT Repertory Theatre examines the history of civil rights in America through song, dance and spoken word. The suggested donation for this performance is set at $5 and those interested can RSVP at RSVP@dwyercc.org. More details for this event can be found at the Dwyer site: LINK

☞ SUBSCRIBE: Harlem Bespoke via Email

2012-01-19T08:07:00.000-05:00

Get daily Harlem Bespoke posts via email the moment they are published by subscribing below. There's also the Harlem Bespoke Facebook site so "like" us today and get connected: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: Arriving at the Claremont c. 1895

2012-01-18T17:11:00.000-05:00

An older photo of the Claremont Inn at Riverside Drive shows the Havemeyer Coach arriving at the former landmark. The countryside retreat faced the Hudson at West 124th Street and the inn was a popular destination for weekend getaways. Men sporting bowlers and top hats can be seen assisting the guest and the women have the "leg of mutton" sleeves that were popular during the time period. The Claremont also was notable for its intricate open porch that wrapped around the building.

Byron Company, New York, NY, The Havemeyer Coach at Claremont, May 25, 1895 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 471 West 140th in Contract

2012-01-18T14:01:00.000-05:00

Number 471 West 140th Street just arrived on the market back in September for the initial asking price of $1.5 million and is now in contract. The 18-foot-wide, roughly 3,888 square, 4-unit buildng is on a handsome block of barrel front townhouses in Hamilton Heights directly facing the more scenic part of the City College campus. There are couple of shells on the block that still need to be fixed up but this townhouse appears to have been fully renovated in recent years. More photos after the jump.

One of the main apartments in the building is a three bedroom, 2 bath duplex which could be an owner's unit but it appears that the property is mainly marketed as a rental convenient to the colleges in the area. The area is pretty residential but walking a half dozen block north will get one to the 145th Street express station hub. Check out more details on the broker site: LINK

☞ SHOP: What's Next for Lower Lenox?

2012-01-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Lower Lenox has quite a few shops that have opened up in the past five years but there still exists many storefronts that could be filled. The area around the Mount Morris Park Historic District has some of the best architecture in the city and would make a most picturesque shopping boulevard if more of these retail spaces were filled. Businesses that have arrived and stuck around include eateries such as Settepani, Native, Il Caffe Latte, Tonnie's Minis.

These current shops are the better ones that have opened and accent one of the more iconic establishments in the area. Newcomer such as Auberge Laurent added a wine bar to the mix and pairs itself nicely with old time businesses such as Lenox Lounge which is a major tourist attraction. Katrina Parris' floral boutique is also a pleasant accent to the strip and a redesigned wine shop has filled in some space in this section below 125th street to about 118th Street.

Startups are difficult and there have been a few over ambitious casualties. A caviar bar where Auberge Laurent now resides at 200 Lenox raised some eyebrows several years back and the N boutique's more expensive fashion offerings failed to take off at a location just across the boulevard. Settepani was set to open a more moderate brick oven pizzeria next door but financials have now stalled that project. Luxury establishments are probably not the way to go as far as openings are concerned for the historic district so what type of businesses are best suited for one of the most distinct enclaves of Harlem?

☞ EXERCISE: Working Out in 2012

2012-01-18T10:03:00.000-05:00

Spring 2012 will arrive in no time and those who want to get in shape have a few Harlem options available as far as gym memberships are concerned. Those who want to get in shape can find a pretty decent deal since more moderate chains are prevalent uptown and the affordable ones such as Planet Fitness have recently expanded to other locations.

New York Sports Club probably has the largest presence uptown with branches at FDB/8th Avenue at 124th Street and one further up on West 145th Street. There's also one on Fifth Avenue and 115th Street for those who live closer to Central Park. All the facilities are modern since they tend to be in the retail spaces of the new buildings that have recently gone up and certain membership contracts can get one access to all the locations.

NYSC is probably the most expensive gym in Harlem but there are few cheaper options out there for those on a budget. The Lucille Roberts at Amsterdam and 125th Street is women only but memberships are extremely affordable. Membership at Planet Fitness on the West 126th and Lenox also seems to be a little more cost friendly than the other New York gyms out there. A second Planet Fitness has now opened at 125th Street by ACP/7th Avenue for those who live a little further west. On the East Harlem side, there's a Bally Total Fitness at Third Avenue and 106th Street but we are not too sure on the monthly fee of that particular branch.

☞ LISTEN: Zemog El Gallo Bueno at Shrine

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 21st, 10:00 PM, Zemog El Gallo Bueno at Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue), between 133rd and 134th Street. Zemog El Gallo Bueno plays 21st Century Latin music, reflecting all of the contradictions and cultural tensions of what it means to be Latin in America. Get more details on this performance and check out all the other shows this week at Harlem's new music venue: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: The Claremont Inn circa 1910

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

An old postcard from 1910 shows the long gone Claremont Inn as it stood at the turn of the century. The historic house was a main attraction uptown before Grant's Tomb was built and the two became a duo destination spot for decades after the monument's completion. Sometimes in the 1950s, the Claremont would eventually burn down after years of neglect and was replaced by a playground at this section close to 124th Street and Riverside Drive.

Rotograph Co. New York, NY, Claremont N.Y. City, ca. 1910 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 56 Hamilton Terrace Sold in December

2012-01-17T15:02:00.001-05:00

The landmark townhouse at 56 Hamilton Terrace finally sold officially back in December based on public records. Initially on the market for $1.65 million back in March of 2010, the Hamilton Heights brownstone with a lot of preserved woodwork would be reduced down to $1.59 million a year later and finally found an interested buyer last week. This 18 foot wide, single-family home (center building) located roughly at 142nd Street has a total of 3,746 square feet, 4-bedrooms, three baths and seven working fireplaces. The broker for this property even had a fashion exhibit in the building to drum up interested buyers but at the end of the day, the property sold for $1.1 million which is a substantial discount from the asking price.

☞ REVIVE: What's Left of Mike's Newsstand?

2012-01-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

Walking by 241 Lenox recently, we noticed that one can see what's left of Mike's Newsstand over the plywood fence surrounding the corner brownstone under renovation. The top photo shows what can be seen of the outline of the small stand that used to reside at West 122nd Street. It appears that the booth has been demolished or dismantled from the building at this point since only an impression of its existence remains today. Mike's has been around for several decades and it is unclear if a new booth is planned as part of the building's restoration. Any tips?

☞ DRINK: Wine Tasting at Morris-Jumel Mansion

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday, January 19th, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Wine Tasting: Great Partnerships at the Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, between 160th and 161st Street. Come celebrate the partnership between great wine and food, learn which pairings fit well together and which wines best complement your favorite dish. Peter Walsh from Coogan’s Restaurant will lead the event. Tickets are $25 per person and $20 for members. Pre-paid advanced registration is required. Call 212 923 8008. More at the Morris-Jumel site: LINK

☞ MEET: MMPCIA 2012

2012-01-17T06:27:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, January 17th, 7:00 PM, The Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association First 2012 Meeting, 63 West 124th Street between Mount Morris Park West and Lenox. Meet the new MMPCIA board for 2012 with special guests Captain Kevin Williams of the 28 Precinct and Barbara Askins, the President of the 125th Business Improvement at this first community meeting. More details on the MMPCIA site: LINK

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

2012-01-16T14:26:00.001-05:00

Below is the list of last week's most viewed posts and comments.

1. Pink Teacup to Relocate to Harlem (11)
2. Signage Up at New Seafood Shop (3)
3. What's Up With Pascal's Eatery? (3)
4. The Ayten Farell Salon (3)
5. Harlem Mormon Church in the Times (7)
6. 264 West 136th Sold in December (1)
7. 294 Manhattan Ave Out of Contract
8. Obama Returning to Harlem (2)
9. Progress at 208 Lenox Avenue (4)
10. 227 Lenox Avenue Townhouse

☞ REMEMBER: At the Hotel Theresa circa 1915

2012-01-13T17:01:00.000-05:00

An archival photo of 7th Avenue and 125th Street shows the entrance to the famous Hotel Theresa and the bustling street life that existed on the corner during the early part of the 20th Century. Most notable are the many well kept shops up front, the original hotel cast metal awning along with some very serious stairwells on the double decker buses. The gated center mall in the boulevard isn't bad either.

Byron Company, New York, NY, Hotel Theresa, 7th Avenue and 125th Street via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 227 Lenox Avenue Towhnhouse

2012-01-13T14:14:00.000-05:00

OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, January 18th, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. The first preview for the 26-foot-wide building formerly used as a church at 227 Lenox Avenue will be next Wednesday. This is a bankruptcy auction and the bid will start at $400K when it goes up for sale in February. No interior photos are available yet but those who want to check it out might want to drop by this open house: LINK

☞ REVIVE: Progress at 208 Lenox Avenue

2012-01-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

The partially renovated townhouse just north of 120th Street at 208 Lenox Avenue was purchased by a new owner a year ago and now some of the final finishes are in place for the facade. A current photo taken this week (lower image) shows that all of the missing windows have been installed and the distinct stamped metal pediment has now been duplicated to match the neighboring townhouse. This stately abode is within the Mount Morris Park Historic District so it would make sense that the renovation would replicate the original designs elements for this building. DOB records show that this is an SRO conversion into a 3-family home. Check out our past post to see what this property sold for last year: LINK

☞ READ: Pink Teacup to Relocate to Harlem

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Times caught up with restauranteur Lawrence Page and it appears that downtown's Pink Teacup will eventually make its way uptown. An original plan to have a second location at 200 Lenox at 120th Street did not work out because of the proximity to churches prevented access to a liquor license and thus the wine bar Auberge Laurent replaced that venture instead. Downtown's Pink Teacup has recently shuttered in the past month so the news now is that Mr. Page wants to move the eatery to Harlem since many of his clients already come from Harlem or the Bronx. The assumption now is that new ventures such as the Red Rooster have already made Harlem a destination spot so having an iconic establishment as the Pink Teacup should have equal success uptown. Read more in the Times: LINK

Photo courtesy Ozier Muhammad for the New York Times

☞ SEE: Around Harlem This Weekend

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 14th, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, The Harlem School of the Arts Spring Open House 2012, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue and 142nd Street. The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) Spring Open House and Registration Day to introduce new students of all ages and their families to the wide array of quality arts programs offered in music, dance, theatre and visual arts: Photography, Teen Shakespeare, Early Childhood Program for ages 2 - 3, Musical Theatre classes, Ballet, Children's Choir, Adult Dance & Fitness classes and much more: LINK

Saturday, January 14th, from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Alexander Hamilton's 257th Birthday Commemoration at the Hamilton Grange, 414 West 141st Street. The Parks Department will a special event this weekend with a living historian portraying Alexander Hamilton to answer all questions about his life: LINK

Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock screen at the Schomburg Center, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard/Lenox Avenue. After the screening, join filmmaker Sharon La Cruise for a “talk back” with the audience. Free! Call (212) 491-2040 or RSVP online: LINK

Sunday, January 15th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Works in Progress | "I Have a Dream" Collage Portraits at The Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 West 125th Street. Paying homage to artist Romare Bearden and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The Laundromat Project presents through its Works in Progress program a portrait workshop that asks participants to employ Bearden's iconic collage technique to create a portrait of the person that they aspire to be. Using some of Dr. King's quotes as a source of inspiration, completed portraits will integrate color, xerox copies, magazines, and textiles to creatively illustrate a figurative image that includes the qualities each participant wishes to embody in 2012. This workshop is free and open to the public: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: West 133rd and 5th circa 1939

2012-01-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

An archival photo of the block of West 133rd Street between Lenox and 5th Avenue shows what the area used to look like before it was demolished to make way for Lenox Terrace. By mid century, these types of tenement apartment buildings would have fallen out of favor and the super block models would eventually take over this section of Central Harlem. West 133rd at this intersection would actually be removed from the street grid to make way for the large building block.

Sid Grossman, Federal Art Project, Harlem 133rd Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenue c.1939 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York.

☞ DWELL: 88 Morningside at 80 Percent

2012-01-12T14:06:00.000-05:00

The first press announcement of year has it that 88 Morningside at Morningside Avenenue and West 122nd Street is now at 80 percent sold. According to the developers, 50 new closings have been completed in the past four months at the new development facing Morningside Park. Only 11 units remain which include one-bedroom, one-bathroom and one-bedroom, two-bathroom homes, which range in price from $355,000 - $575,000 based on the most recent announcement. A quick check on Streeteasy still has 12 unit remaining but that site might not have been updated accordingly: LINK

☞ EAT: Signage Up at New Seafood Shop

2012-01-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

More work has been happening at the old Just Wingin It space at 2190 FDB/8th Avenue. Readers have been reporting a mysterious red "H" letter that has gone up in the past week or so and workers were on site even over the weekend. A closer inspection at the storefront on the east corner west 118th Street reveals that there are all sorts of sea creatures stenciled into the letter itself. A high tech seafood joint has been planned for the spot so the logo seems befitting for the venture.

☞ DRINK: Happy Hours at Bier International

2012-01-12T10:14:00.003-05:00

Monday-Fridays, Happy Hour at Bier International at 2099 FDB/8th Avenue at 113th Street. Bier International has finally announced some early day drink deals for lunch and late afternoon in South Harlem. From Noon to 3:00 PM, selected drinks are half off during the lunch hours. Then from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, it's the traditional buy 1 and get 1 free on selected offerings for the early birds out there who can make it before the dinner crowd arrives. www.BierInternational.com

☞ INTRODUCING: Obama Returning to Harlem

2012-01-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

After getting a bit of negative press for the $30,000 a plate Red Rooster fundraiser last year, President Obama will now return to Harlem at a venue more accessible to the masses. The Daily News reports that the President will be hosting an event at the Apollo theater which will feature performances by Al Green and India Arie next Thursday. Tickets beginning at $100 to start, $200 for the balcony seats and $5,000 for a V.I.P. spot have been offered to the public. All of the $100 tickets have sold out and organizers expect the balance to sell out soon. This will also be the first time a sitting president has visited the Apollo Theater. More in the Daily News: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: Alexander Hamilton's Birthday

2012-01-11T17:28:00.002-05:00

It is Alexander Hamilton's 257th birthday today so we are celebrating the occasion with posting one of our original stories about his Harlem estate. The Parks Department will also be having a special event this Saturday, January 14th, from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM for all the history buffs out there: LINK

The house of America's first Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, finished in 1802, was named after his family ancestral home in Scotland: the Grange. As fortune would have it, he lived in his dream country house for only two years since then-vice president Aaron Burr ended up challenging him to a duel in 1804 and fatally shot him. It was definitely a different time when our government officials went about challenging one another with fire arms.

Much has changed since then, especially in 2008 when the entire house was lifted and moved from its location on Convent Avenue to St. Nicholas Park. Why? Because the neighborhood had grown rapidly, the Grange ended up wedged between a church and another building. State officials decided it needed to be in a more open, sylvan setting as seen in the original print above. This Federal style clapboard house finally opened to the public in Fall 2012 and now houses a small museum inside. Take the B, C trains to 135th street to get to St. Nicholas Park and walk to 141st street. Archival photo courtesy NYPL

☞ DWELL: 294 Manhattan Ave Out of Contract

2012-01-11T14:20:00.000-05:00

The house at 294 Manhattan Avenue is finally initially went up on the market back in 2008 for the asking price of $3 million but only went into contract in the past year when it was reduced by over half the initial asking to $1.4 million. Back in July, a contract was out for the building facing Morningside Park but the brownstone was listed again by November. Another contract came about in December but once again the building appears to be available once more. So what is the problem with this property that is next door to the lower FDB corridor at 112th Street?

This 20 foot wide, 4,550-square-foot building apparently has a total of 8-unit and is basically listed as a rooming house and DOB files still have it listed as an SRO. The rental building also has very basic finishes to it and will probably need a bit of work done on the interior to get have everything updated. The subway at 110th Street is only two blocks away, so the location is very close to transportation.

☞ REVIVE: 104 West 127th Street Revealed

2012-01-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

The apparent church building and thrift store at 104 West 127 Street had scaffolding come down recently to reveal the newly stucco-covered surface. There was a bit of charm to the former facade of the building with its painted brick and old pressed metal cornices up top but everything did look to be falling apart. Walking by this corner just west of Lenox in the past week, we noticed that most of the stucco had been applied and tinted on the top floor with dramatic results. All of the cornices have been removed and cast stone versions have taken their places. It all is definitely an improvement but restoring the original brick and metalwork somehow seems more authentic than this new incarnation of the old buildings in Central Harlem.

☞ SEE: Who, What, Wear at the Studio Museum

2012-01-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

Sunday, January 22nd, 1:00 PM, Who, What, Wear Gallery Tour at the Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 West 125th Street, east of ACP/7th Avenue. Enjoy an interactive and informative tour of Who, What, Wear: Selections from the Permanent Collection led by a knowledgeable Museum educator. Who, What, Wear looks at evolutions in style—self-expression, fashion, artistic technique and societal ideals of beauty—as seen through the Studio Museum’s permanent collection. The tour will have something for everyone: adults, families and kids of all ages are welcome. RSVP at the Studio Museum site: LINK

Photo courtesy Adam Reich via the Studio Museum in Harlem website

☞ EAT: What's Up With Pascal's Eatery?

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

The major deli with outdoor (and indoor) seating over at 5th Avenue has been opened and closed a couple of times and a reader wanted to know why it shut down again recently. Pascal's Eatery is located at 2 West 129th Street and had opened again in the past few months but now the establishment with the retro signage has closed its door once more. Not too much is going on at this section of 5th Avenue and the deli was definitely wanted of the better establishments to be found in the immediate area. Any tips out there?

☞ REMEMBER: The Watt-Pinkney Carriage Yard

2012-01-10T17:02:00.001-05:00

The massive Watt-Pinkney estate that used to be located just west of 7th Avenue took up most of that block and had all of the comforts of country living on hand. A photo taken in 1910 shows the carriage yard out back during a time when most of this part of Central Harlem had tenements and brownstones growing around it. Alas the mansion would eventually succumb to developers and this section of Harlem now mostly consist of apartment buildings. Check out our past post for another image of the full estate: LINK

Edvin Levick, Carriage in yard of Watt-Pinkney Mansion, West 139th Street, ca. 1910 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York.

☞ DWELL: 264 West 136th Sold in December

2012-01-10T14:03:00.001-05:00

The 18 foot wide townhouse at 264 West 136th Street just arrived on the market for $1.1 million back in June of 2011 and finally sold in December. This Central Harlem townhouse is on a preserved block and close enough to the subway at St. Nicholas Park but there is not too much to do in the immediate area. More details, interior photos and final selling price after the jump.

The single-family house has 5-bedrooms, 3-baths and 3,528 square foot of space altogether and the backyard appears to be well planted. It is unclear what the infrastructure is like for the townhouse but it appears that the interior is in pretty good condition based on photos provided by the broker: LINK. After all the details had been finalized, the house sold eventually for $950K.

☞ REVIVE: Harlem Mormon Church in the Times

2012-01-10T12:04:00.002-05:00

The New York Times has an extensive story on the Mormon Church in Harlem today which mainly focuses on what will happen with an empty lot sold on West 129th Street. Lenox Coffee just debuted next to the one-story red building that has an open lot adjacent to it (far left at lower photo) and the church has now sold the parcel to a developer who apparently will build a condo on site. That previously mentioned red building was the location where Harlem's first Mormon congregation met until the new temple on Lenox and 128th was built back in 2005 (top photo) and the lot next door has been used as a community garden. Locals now voice concerns that a new condo would bring up the cost of living in the area and lament that a couple of charitable proposals have been turned down. Read more in today's New York Times: LINK

☞ INTRODUCING: The Ayten Farell Salon

2012-01-10T10:00:00.003-05:00

Ayten Farell Salon, 610 W 150th St, between Broadway and Riverside Drive. Tel: 212.234.8572. One Bespoke reader mentioned that Ayten Farrell has opened a boutique hair salon on 150th Street between Broadway and Riverside Drive up in West Harlem. The stylist apparently has extensive training in Germany with years of experience in NYC salons. Owner Ayten Farell offers affordable quality hair cuts, styling and coloring for all hair textures. So those looking for a better salon on the west side might want to check out the current Yelp page for the boutique: LINK.

☞ SEE: Harlem Stage Spring 2012

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

The new Harlem Stage Spring 2012 Season has been revealed with a season that will feature live music dance, cultural events and movies. Events to watch out for include E-Moves 13, Blazing Tongue: Lenox Lounge Singer/Writers and a Tribute to Club Havana San Juan. Advance tickets may be purchased on the organization's website: LINK.

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

2012-01-08T17:34:00.002-05:00

Below is the list of last week's most viewed posts and comments. Harlem Bespoke will be down on Monday, January 9th for maintenance.

1. 227 Lenox Up For Auction (5)
2. New Signs at 183 Lenox (7)
3. Lenox Coffee in the Times (3)
4. Bistro Cedric to Replace Mojo? (32)
5. Sidewalk Shed up at the Victoria (2)
6. 517 West 152nd Street Townhouse
7. Will an Apple Store Open in Harlem? (21)
8. Last Year's Most Talked About Posts (3)
9. Auberge Laurent Opens New Year's Eve? (18)
10. New Year Weekend in Harlem (5)

☞ REMEMBER: Inside the Mott Mansion ca. 1920

2012-01-06T17:03:00.000-05:00

An old photo form 1920 shows the well appointed sitting room of the Mott Mansion that used to stand at 2122 Fifth Avenue. Unlike many of the rooms of the day, the only decorative patterning can be found in the furniture and the walls are just blanketed with artwork. The rugs are even minimalist here and the center of attention is mainly the distinct fireplace and the crystal chandelier. To see what stands on this plot today, check out our past post: LINK

Seidman Photo Service, interior 2122 5th Avenue ca. 1920 via the digital collection at the Museum of the the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 517 West 152nd Street Townhouse

2012-01-06T14:02:00.000-05:00

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, January 8th, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM. The West Harlem house that formerly belonged to Dance Theater of Harlem founder Arthur Mitchell has been on the market for almost a year now and the price has recently been reduced from the initial $2.5 million asking. This 20-foot-wide home is now going for $1.975 million so the renovated property might have a better year at attracting a buyer in 2012. More photos of the modern interior after the jump.

There is a total of 6 bedrooms and 4 baths in the reportedly 4,900 square foot home that is technically a 3-family building. As far as the immediate area is concerned, there's not too much happening in the better amenities area but the Dance Theater of Harlem is on the next block over at Amsterdam. More photos and details on this townhouse can be found on the broker site: LINK

☞ REVIVE: The Central Harlem Reno Garden

2012-01-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

When saw the garden at the Central Harlem renovation house over a year ago, it was pretty much an overgrown patch of land. The snow has melted since then and progress was at hand when we last visited in fall. One can see the brick grill stack that was originally out back more clearly now and more brick has arrived to pave the patch of dirt out back. Foliage will be planted on the outer perimeters when all finishes up along with more aesthetically appealing fencing. Everything should be in bloom for the upcoming spring at this rate.

☞ INTRODUCING: The HSA Spring Open House

2012-01-06T10:06:00.001-05:00

Saturday, January 14th, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, The Harlem School of the Arts Spring Open House 2012, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue and 142nd Street. The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) Spring Open House and Registration Day to introduce new students of all ages and their families to the wide array of quality arts programs offered in music, dance, theatre and visual arts: Photography, Teen Shakespeare, Early Childhood Program for ages 2 - 3, Musical Theatre classes, Ballet, Children's Choir, Adult Dance & Fitness classes and much more. Enjoy special performance by talented HSA students, sign up for a free class, meet our staff and world-renowned faculty, observe ongoing classes, and tour the facilities. www.HSAnyc.org

☞ SEE: Around Harlem This Weekend

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Friday, January 6th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, beginning at East 106th Street and Park Avenue. The 35th Annual Three Kings Parade sponsored by El Museo Del Barrio will walk down the blocks of East Harlem this Friday so don't miss out on catching a glimpse of Melchor, Caspar and Balthazar followed by several camels strolling up Third and Lexington Avenue: LINK.

Saturday, January 7th, 10:15-11:00 AM Ages 2-3 (w/adult), 11:15-12:15 Family Yoga (Kids 4-8 w/adult(s), Free Kids Yoga Classes at Land Yoga, 2116 FDB/8th Avenue and 114th Street. Land Yoga will have a series of free open houses that will introduce yoga to the younger members of the family. RSVP at: landyoga@gmail.com . Check out more details more details on the South Harlem yoga establishment on the studio site: LINK

Sunday, January 8th, 7:30 PM, Hit Me With The Music at Maysles Cinema, 343 Lenox Avenue at 127th Street. 30 years after Bob Marley's death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved to produce a new genre, Dancehall. Hit Me With Music is the first comprehensive documentary about the Jamaican dancehall scene, giving dance, style and fashion an equal treatment to its music. $10 suggested admission. More details at the Maysles Cinema site: LINK

Sundays January 8th, The Goddess Lakshmi at Paris Blues, 2021 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, 7th Avenue at West 121st Street. The Goddess Lakshmi returns from it's Siberian Dacha to Paris Blues for it's winter season. Live art-rock music in a classic Harlem setting. Special guests will be appearing.

☞ REMEMBER: The Sadivian Arms circa 1910

2012-01-05T17:06:00.000-05:00

A photo from 1910 shows The Sadivian Arms building in West Harlem when it probably was pretty brand new to the area. The location is the south west corner of St. Nicholas Avenue at the corner of 145th Street and the building still stands today as can be seen in the lower image. All of the balustrades crowning the top portion of the building have long since been removed but most of the architectural elements are still intact. One of the main visual differences though can be found with the color of the cornice since the original had the lighter hue that provided a bright contrast against the red brick.

Thaddeus Wilkerson, The Sadivian Arms, New York, ca. 1910 via the digital collection at the Museum of the city of New York

☞ DWELL: 182 East 117th Street in Contract

2012-01-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

A modern townhouse located on a former empty lot at 182 East 117th Street went into contract in December after being on the market for over a year. The 25 foot wide building was initially listed for $999K and has incrementally decreased to the current $899K price. This space has 3 floors and roughly 2,100 square foot of space altogether. Location wise, the 4,6 train is just a block away on Lexington Avenue and the immediate area has quite a bit of new construction.

☞ INTRODUCING: 241 Lenox Revealed

2012-01-05T12:40:00.000-05:00

The brownstone renovation at 241 Lenox Avenue had been stalled for quite some times but activity in the past year has now revealed a new facade. A planned residential conversion with store frontage filed back in 2008 did not begin to pick up steam until last year and the corner building at 122nd Street now finally has all if its scaffolding down. Walking by the landmark site this past week, we noticed refinished brownstone surfaces, a bright green cornice and matching green window frames (lower photo). This townhouse looks to be finishing up very soon and the next door neighbor will be the only other one that is left to fix up on the block.

☞ LISTEN: The Goddess Lakshmi Returns

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Appearing Sundays January 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th, The Goddess Lakshmi at Paris Blues, 2021 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, 7th Avenue at West 121st Street. The Goddess Lakshmi returns from it's Siberian Dacha to Paris Blues for it's winter season. Live art-rock music in a classic Harlem setting. Special guests will be appearing.

Photo of The Goddess Lakshmi courtesy of Paul DeLuna

☞ REMEMBER: The 125th Street Platform c. 1955

2012-01-04T17:06:00.000-05:00

An interesting photo from 1955 shows the elevated train station at 125th Street and Broadway with a particular original detail that is missing in modern times. Today this elevated station is similar to most in the fact that the material used for the flooring mainly consists of concrete. Looking at this archival image, one can make out that there was a wood boardwalk that was the original material used before concrete became popular. Wood would of course eventually wear down under the elements and pedestrian traffic so the more modern fabrication might just be the better choice.

Afred C. Loonam, IRT Subway Train at 125th Street Station circa 1955 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 227 Lenox Up For Auction

2012-01-04T14:20:00.001-05:00

A 26-foot wide brownstone building close to the corner of 121st Street in the Mount Morris Historic District will be up for auction in the next coming weeks. Number 227 Lenox Avenue (brownstone at left) will be sold off apparently because of bankruptcy proceedings with an auction planned for early February according to a listing on Streeteasy: LINK. The suggested starting bid for the property formerly used as a church is at $400K for the building with roughly 6,300 square foot in total. Open houses have been scheduled in January for viewing.

☞ READ: Lenox Coffee in the Times

2012-01-04T12:09:00.000-05:00

The New York Times had a quick write up on Lenox Coffee 60 West 129th Street and provides additional information about the establishment. Owners Aaron Baird and Jeffrey Green used to travel the world playing classical music but now have opened up the shop around the corner from Lenox that serves up "49th Parallel Coffee from British Columbia." Read more about Lenox Coffee in the New York Times: LINK. Photo via the Lenox Coffee Facebook site: LINK

If you have not been yet, this is the place to get coffee and hang out on upper Lenox (based on our humble observation). Great early century graphics also!

☞ REVIVE: Sidewalk Shed up at the Victoria

2012-01-04T10:01:00.000-05:00

The Victoria Theatrer's $100 million adaptive reuse project is set to have a ground breaking in 2012 and more activity has been seen on the site in the past weeks. All of the lower storefronts had workers analyzing the interiors last month but now a sidewalk shed has appeared in front of the long shuttered theater located just east of FDB/8th Avenue at West 125th Street. As reported this past August, a 140-unit rental building and a 175-unit hotel is currently planned for the site which will also include several cultural centers while preserving the theater itself: LINK

☞ SEE: Hit Me With The Music at Maysles

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 8th, 7:30 PM, Hit Me With The Music at Maysles Cinema, 343 Lenox Avenue at 127th Street. 30 years after Bob Marley's death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved to produce a new genre, Dancehall. Hit Me With Music is the first comprehensive documentary about the Jamaican dancehall scene, giving dance, style and fashion an equal treatment to its music. Through the protagonists of this documentary we get to know Dancehall and what it is about. A diverse group of individuals - dancers, dj's, producers, artists, school children and ghetto youth talk of the context in which these songs are born and what the phenomena represents in their life and the lives of many supporters. $10 suggested admission. More details at the Maysles Cinema site: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: Peace Shine circa 1939

2012-01-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

A photo from 1939 shows what the blocks on Fifth Avenue between East 133rd and East 144th Street used to look like before they were torn down. The shoe shine kiosk is attached to a larger prewar building but it appears that there used to be quite a few brownstones lining the avenue heading north. Larger super blocks of housing now replaces this view today but upper Fifth Avenue apparently was somewhat picturesque at one point in time.

Sid Grossman, Federal Art Project, Peace Shine 3 Cents, circa 1939 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: 212 West 122nd Street Still on Market

2012-01-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

The creme colored house at 212 West 122nd Street has been on-and-off the market for the past couple of years and still has not made any progress with price reductions in 2011. At 15 foot wide, this townhouse is really on the narrow side but there apparently are 3 residential units in place, and an estimated 3,600 square foot total of space. Just over 2 years ago, the property first appeared on the market for $3.5 million, then was reduced to $2 million by late 2010. After a few more price cuts, this property is now set for the asking price of $1.75 million which might make 2012 a better year for the South Harlem property. The interiors are renovated but much of the finishes appear on the moderate side. More photos at the broker site: LINK

☞ SHOP: New Signs at 183 Lenox

2012-01-03T12:07:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: DNAINFO HAS CONFIRMED THE INTERIOR NOW HAS ALL THE GLASS REMOVED: LINK. The controversy about the aesthetics of the new wine and liquor store over at the Mount Morris Park Historic District made it to all of the major local media outlets in the past month and now new signs are up. As folks might remember, the old sign had the diamond plate steel store frontage associated with more lower end establishments and the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association was not having it. A reader sent in a photo of the shop at West 119th Street over the holiday break and now a matte canvas awning has appeared out front.

The Landmarks commission intervened on the facade issue since the building is in a New York City Historic District but interior alterations are usually out of landmark jurisdiction. MMPCIA members also wanted the bullet proof barriers removed since all of the shops and cafes in the immediate area do not have this feature. Check out our original post to see what the store looked like previously: LINK

☞ SEE: Three Kings Day Parade in East Harlem

2012-01-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

☞ LISTEN: Gospel & Edgar Kendricks of Harlem

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Edgar Kendricks has been a flashy figure in the Harlem Gospel scene for over 40 years and the new York Times catches up with the man and uptown's rich church culture. Read more about Mr. Kendricks in the New York Times: LINK

☞ READ: Last Year's Most Talked About Posts

2012-01-01T12:10:00.006-05:00

Below is the list of most talked about & viewed Harlem Posts in 2011.

1. Bistro Cedric to Replace Mojo? (32)
2. Pink Teacup Harlem Instead of Heifer (31)
3. An Earlier Last Call in Harlem? (27)
4. Less Controversy on Upper Lenox (27)
5. Uproar Over New Historic District Shop (22)
6. Mixed-Income for Randolph Houses (22)
7. Harlem Tavern Opening Night (21)
8. Will an Apple Store Open in Harlem? (21)
9. Update at 183 Lenox (20)
10. Harlem Hyatt Still a Possibility (19)

☞ CELEBRATE: New Year Weekend in Harlem

2011-12-30T10:00:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year Harlem! Below is the list of top weekend picks.

Friday, December 30th, Auberge Laurent soft opening, 200 Lenox at 120th Street. The signs have it that Auberge Laurent will have a soft opening today. Workers were still furiously milling around on site this week but it appears that the debut will be tonight for the wine bar in the Mount Morris Park Historic District.

Saturday, December 31st, starting 10:00 PM, PAST FUTURE! A New Year's Eve Spectacular at Maysles Cinema, 343 Lenox Avenue at 127th Street. The Maysles Cinema will rock out New Years Eve this year with live performances from The Sassparilla Sisters, Harlem's own Rap/Rocker Danny Switchblade alongside special guest LAMEC. Ring in the new year with a night of Dance, Music, Theatre, Art, and plenty of bubbly at Harlem's independent theater: LINK

Saturday, December 31st, New Year's Eve Dinner at Settepani, 196 Lenox Avenue at 120th Street. The Mount Morris Park Historic District Italian eatery will be offering a Prix Fixe selection which includes pappardelle with wild boar and a main of beef fillet starting at $50 per person (without drinks). RSVP required: 917.492.4806. See the full menu at the Settepani facebook site: LINK

Saturday, December 31st, New Year's Eve Dinner at Lido, 2168 FDB/8th Avenue at 117th Street. Lido offers up an extensive four course tasting menu which will include a bottle of sparking wine for every couple for a Prix Fixe at $125 per person. To Reserve call 646.490.8575. Check out the Lido site for the full menu list of the evening's offerings: LINK

Saturday, December 31st, 4:00 PM - Midnight, New Year’s Eve at Harlem Tavern, 2153 FDB/8th Avenue at 116th Street. No cover with live DJ music all night, optional Prix Fix menu and balloon ball drop on the big screens: LINK

Saturday, December 31st, 5:00 PM-Midnight, New Year's Eve House Party at Bier International, 2099 FDB/8th Avenue at 113th Street. No cover or Prix Fixe menu. The band NSEO International will provide live music for the evening and specials such as a fillet of beef served with a side of seared foie gras, potato croquets, baby vegetables and a glass of champagne for $27 makes Bier one of the best places to celebrate the new years. BierInternational.com

Saturday, December 31st, starting at 6:00 PM, New Years Eve at Shrine, 2271 ACP/7th Avenue at 134th Street. Celebrate New Year's Eve at Shrine with drink specials, live DJ music and a large screen projecting the event at Time Square. $20 Cover charge. More details can be found at the Shrine site: LINK

☞ SEE: A Portrait of Sherman's Bar BQ

2011-12-30T09:03:00.001-05:00

Artist Raymond Sicignano painted many of Harlem's vanishing storefronts several years ago and sent in an image of one of the other Sherman's branches that was still in existence at the time. The familiar blue and red storefront is the same as the last remaining shop on 145th Street but this facade also has a very distinct signage in the shape of chicken. Does anyone know if this particular branch was in Harlem? Check out more Harlem and New York shop portraits by the artist at: www.RaizArt.com

☞ REMEMBER: 30 East 129th Street circa 1932

2011-12-29T17:02:00.000-05:00

A photo taken circa 1932 shows a semi detached wood frame house that used to be located at 30 East 129th Street. East Harlem had quite few of these back in the day but this was the only one left on the block just west of Madison Avenue. The building probably went to ruin decades ago and now a more modern structure sits on the lot.

Charles Von Urban, 30 East 129th Street ca 1932 via the digital collection at the Museum of the City of New York

☞ DWELL: Two Left at the Metropolis

2011-12-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

It took a couple of years but the green development called the Metropolis is on its way to selling out. Streeteasy has the building at 51 East 128th Street with 11 sold units and a 1-bedroom currently available for the asking of $325K: LINK. There is also a 2-bedroom unit that apparently went in and out of contract for $395K but that condo is no longer available at this point in time. This development is FHA approved so first time homebuyers get the benefit of a low down payment and interest rates. www.Metropolis128.com

☞ EAT: Sherman's BBQ's Last Stand

2011-12-29T12:14:00.000-05:00

The 60 year old chain of Sherman's BBQ may be finished if the last storefront closes up in the new year. Local media have been reporting on how the health code violations have prevented the shop from opening and placed the takeout joint on ACP/7th at 145th Street into debt: LINK. Sherman Hibbitt originally started the chain in 1948 with several sit down restaurants throughout Harlem. Many local and international celebrities have visited the other (now shuttered) Sherman's branches over the years but Mr. Hibbitt's daughter is now running the last vestige of the the BBQ empire and is in need of a backer to keep it open. Read our past post on the famous Sherman's location that the Beatles dined at with a local girl group called the Ronettes: LINK

☞ INTRODUCING: Progress at 2nd Harlem IHOP

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Back in May, the new office building at the corner of Lexington and 126th Street announced that Harlem's next International House of Pancakes was arriving soon at its lower floor commercial space but not much has happened until now. This location at 2082 Lexington Avenue in East Harlem will complement the already popular IHOP in Central Harlem on 135th Street and a reader took a photo of some progress on the site in the past week. Interior after the jump.

Based on this most recent photo, it look like the interior is almost ready to go. All the banquets and fixtures appear to be in place now so expect an opening sometimes in the New Year. On a side note, this new building that the cheap chain has anchored is called the East Harlem Gateway II which finished up in the past year or so: LINK. As noted previously, the immediate block is pretty desolate at times so adding the foot traffic will definitely be an improvement for the nabe.

☞ DRINK: New Year's Eve at Bier International

2011-12-29T09:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday, December 31st, 5:00 PM-Midnight, New Year's Eve House Party at Bier International, 2099 FDB/8th Avenue at 113th Street. Bier International in South Harlem is offering the rare New Year's Eve event without a cover or Prix Fixe menu. The band NSEO International will provide live music for the evening and specials such as a fillet of beef served with a side of seared foie gras, potato croquets, baby vegetables and a glass of champagne for $27 makes Bier one of the best places to celebrate the new years. BierInternational.com