☞ DWELL: 1280 Fifth Avenue Ready to Sell

Last week Curbed announced the sale of 1280 Fifth Avenue and we wanted to take a closer look at Architect Robert A.M. Stern's monumental construction that is on the cusp of the east side. The 115 unit condominium will offer 801 square foot studios, 870 square foot one bedrooms and a few two bedroom options with up to 1,699 square feet. Prices are reported at $723,900-$3.355 million at this point which breaks the average down to $1,344 per square foot.

The 19 Story building is between 109th and 110th Street, with view of Central Park but folks might remember that many consider this area East Harlem, which technically starts at 96th Street (east of the park). On the other hand, some might want to sell this section of town as an extension of the Upper East Side's Museum Mile which kind of makes sense since the world class Museum for African Art will be opening in the ground space. Then there's Duke Ellington Circle with a statue of the Duke looking over East Harlem at 110th Street and kind of looking at the new development. So, what does everyone think? Is this East Harlem and will the price work at this location? Closest subway stop is the 110th Street 2,3 express at Lenox Avenue. Read more on Curbed: LINK. See floor plans on the 1280 Fifth Avenue site: LINK. Photos by Ulysses

☞ BESPOKE: 1280 Fifth Avenue Interiors

East Harlem's 1280 Fifth Avenue just recently got its funky lower windows glassed and Curbed now reports that the model apartments, designed by Andre Kikoski, have been revealed on the architect's website. This is the new corner building at 110th Street and 5th Avenue that will also have the new Museum of African Art at its base. The design of 1280 Fifth Avenue is definitely a different caliber of architecture for the blocks above 110th Street so it will be interesting to see what the 115 units of condos go for in the future. Thoughts? Read more details at Curbed.com: LINK or go to the Andre Kikoskie Architect site for more visuals: LINK. See the various phases of the exterior in our past post: LINK. Current exterior photo by Ulysses

☞ INTRODUCING: New Signs at 1280 Fifth Avenue

We weren't quite sure of what was going on this week when new window signs started showing up on the most modern building in Harlem.  Celebrated architect Robert A.M. Stern's condo building and future home of the Museum for African Art at 1280 Fifth Avenue had large letters in the upper windows spelling out "GOOD LUCK."  Was this some sort of broker rallying call to help sales pick up at what will surely be one of the most expensive new constructions the area will see in some time?  More evidence to the nature of the upbeat message was found at the south entrance on 109th Street where running figures were later posted and another positive message stating "UNDER 5 MILES TO GO."  So at the end of the day, it's all about the New York Marathon this Sunday and the new construction on the block is just showing some spirit. Read more on 1280 Fifth Avenue in our past post: LINK.

☞ READ: Upscale Market Arriving in East Harlem

Crains' reports that the Goris family will open another one of their upscale markets at 1660 Madison Avenue and East 110th Street.  This location is just a block from those twin towers at the northeast corner of Central Park and also one block away from the yet-to-be-completed Museum for African Art on Fifth Avenue. The grocers (who own a few stores in the city) apparently lost their lease in one of the new luxury towers in Brooklyn and decided to head uptown instead for their next venture.  At a total of 10,185 foot of ground floor space, we are assuming that this would be considered a supermarket.  Although the immediate area still has a couple of abandoned small lots and a few housing projects in view,  at least the condo buyers at 1280 Fifth Avenue will have some place to shop now.  Read more details in Crain's: LINK.  Check out all stories related to 1280 Fifth Avenue in our past post: LINK.

☞ DWELL: Catching Up with 1280 Fifth Avenue

It has been a few months since 5 contracts were out at 1280 Fifth Avenue and we wanted to take a look at how the starchitect-designed building was doing with units priced over the $1,300 per square foot mark: LINK.  Granted that most folks would consider this section of Fifth Avenue at 109th Street an extension of the upper East Side, it seems that the price range is still not finding too many buyers at this point.  Checking up on Streeteasy, it now looks like the contracts that were out in September are no longer listed and it doesn't appear like any units have been sold at this point: LINK. On a positive note, it appears that the sale for the ground floor Museum for African Art space did happen and that went for a total of $43.75 million.  There's some great direct views of Central Park to be had and the architecture is definitely a stand out but will its 115 units sell at the current price structure?  www.1280Fifth.com

☞ DWELL: Who's Buying at 1280 Fifth Avenue?

We usually check out Streeteasy to see what's going on with sales for the uptown market but Curbed seems to be getting the exclusive details on Harlem's most ambitiously designed development to date. The new condo called 1280 Fifth Avenue at East 110th Street is pushing the sales numbers of East Harlem with prices easily double of what other new construction are selling for in north Manhattan. Apparently one penthouse unit has sold for $3.1 million which is at $1,735 per square foot and another sale is forthcoming at the building designed by notable architect Robert A.M. Stern. Looking at Streeteasy, nothing has been updated so this is all insider information: LINK

So who's buying in East Harlem at these prices?  From the profile of the buyers who will combine two units together for around $3.8 million, it appears that a couple of longtime New Yorkers from the Tribeca who want to be able to get to the countryside easier on the weekends fit the bill.  There is also the direct Central Park view and it appears the seasoned city dwellers don't mind being next to the some major projects further east. These are only two initial sales but they are setting some records in the current Harlem market. Check out the floorplans and more details on Curbed: LINK

☞ SEE: The 1280 Fifth Avenue Preview Party

The Read Deal got a look inside the starchitect designed 1280 Fifth Avenue last night at a private party for potential buyers and real estate professionals. According to the brokers on site, 5 of the 116 units have sold and 6 are currently in negotiations.  The East Harlem building at the corner of Central Park North is also the future home to the Museum for African Art and will be a true test of the luxury market uptown with average prices around $1,344 per square foot: LINK.  Check out the Read Deal article for more photos: LINK

☞ INTRODUCING: 1280 Fifth Avenue Gets Glass

Otherwise known as the future home of the Museum for African Art, 1280 Fifth Avenue is racing to get finished for the summer of 2010. The exterior facade walls are firmly in place and now the glass is going up on the windows. Apparently, a good portion of the building will be market-rate condos, so it will be interesting to see how they fare in the new year. Read more in our past post on Museum Mile's newest addition and review the original sketch: LINK. The site for the Museum for African Art is at the northeast corner of Central Park North and can be reached by the 2,3 express train at 110th Street. Photo by Ulysses

☞ DWELL: 1280 Fifth Avenue Condominiums

Curbed just loaded up several interior photos of the model apartments at 1280 Fifth Avenue which is the Robert A.M. Stern building and future home of the Museum for African Art. The most outstanding room would have to be the bathroom with the full floor-to-ceiling window (we would definitely want window treatments here). Dramatic interiors aside, the building has apparently signed 5 contracts with units ranging $723,900 to $2,733,600 in cost although nothing is currently showing on Streeteasy: LINK. Average prices are around $1,344 per square foot so the building is probably the highest priced property in Harlem. The post also states that international buyers or folks who already live uptown have been mainly attracted to the new construction that faces Central Park. See the rest of the photos at Curbed: LINK

☞ DWELL: Contracts out at 1280 Fifth Avenue

Streeteasy has been finally updated to reflect the sales at 1280 Fifth Avenue in East Harlem and it appears that 16 contracts are out at one of the highest priced buildings uptown: LINK.  The condo by notable architect Robert A.M. Stern is listed under Upper Carnegie Hill which might just be working better than flat out calling the location East Harlem since the listing prices are easily double that of most new developments uptown at over $1,100 per square foot.  One notable contract includes a 3 bedroom unit going for $3.1 million which would probably be a record for the past 4 years or so.  Besides facing Central Park, there are not too many amenities in the immediate area but a better supermarket just opened up a block away: LINK

☞ REMEMBER: Albert E. Lowe's 5th Ave Theatre

A rare old photo from the early 1900s shows the Albert E. Lowe's  5th Avenue Theatre which presented the "Biggest and Best Show in Harlem." A quick search reveals that the entertainment establishment was located at the corner of 110th Street and Fifth Avenue based on an old theater manual from 1914: LINK.  This particular venue would specialize in Vaudeville and pictures but it appears the latter would not arrive until sometimes after the above photo was taken.  Based on the address, this location is probably the corner where the Museum for African Art will be established within the new building recently constructed at 1280 Fifth Avenue.

☞ SEE: Museum For African Art Delayed Again

The opening of the Museum for African Art at 110th Street and Fifth Avenue has been delayed once more according to yesterday's press release. Originally slated to debuted this April, the latest addition to the East Harlem section of the Museum Mile had reportedly aimed for a September 2011 opening last year because of slow fundraising: LINK.

First quotes for the museum at 1280 Fifth Avenue were at $90 million and currently $86.3 million has been raised (up from $78 million in March) but construction costs have increased.  The new estimate is now at $95 million to finish and the final phases of the construction will not begin until $92.5 million has been reached. As far as an opening date is concerned, it appears that another year is needed so late 2012 will be the new timeline for the doors to open.

EAT: CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN IN HARLEM 2019

Harlem Bespoke:  New Yorkers are becoming more ambitious with trying out global cuisine and contemporary ethnic eateries have been popping up all over the city.  A lot of diverse Asian fare such as Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese have become the top food trend in the past few years but now African cuisine appears to be the next big thing uptown.  Yes there are cheaper, authentic restaurants to be found everywhere in town but a more modern presentation appears to be the movement du jour.  Below are some of the best new spots to check out for foodies in Harlem:

Teranga: 1280 Fifth Avenue by 110th Street.  Pierre Thiam is the city's most famous chef for African cuisine and has opened a cafe with a casual dining experience that has an art gallery included.  Everything is in a new building facing Central Park and has a later dinner service during the weekends.  A full review on Taranga can be found in our past post: LINK

Serengeti Teas and Spices, 22 East 125th Street by Madison Avenue.  The first modern African tea parlor in Harlem started out on FDB few years back but has since moved to a larger space on 125th Street and now has dinner service later on in the evening.  Some of the most impressive blends of herbal or flora ingredients can be found here and Serengeti Teas is a must visit Harlem destination: LINK

Ginjan Cafe: The Corn Exchange building on 81 East 125th Street and Park Avenue.  The two brother that founded Ginjan ginger juice drinks in Harlem have expanded nationally to Whole Foods and now  have a cafe opened within the landmark Corn Exchange building.  African coffee and drinks are what's on the menu during the soft opening but make sure to check out the first retail shop to open within one of 125th Street's most notable landmarks: LINK

Field Trip: 109 Lenox Avenue just south of 116th Street.  Celebrity chef Joseph Johnson has been working with some of Manhattan's most famous restaurants in the past but now has opened his first casual eatery specializing in different rices of the world.  Expect the signature mix of Asian and African flavors at this newcomer in the heart of Central Harlem.  Field Trip is also only opened mid-week through the weekends.  More details can be found in our past post:LINK

Benyam: 2795 Frederick Douglass Boulevard by 149th Street.  This little upper Central Harlem gem opened up recently and specializes in Ethiopian food in a contemporary setting.  Those in the neighborhood should drop by for lunch when things are more quiet or check out the early evening happy hour specials.  More on Benyam can be found in our past post: LINK


HarlemBespoke.com 2019

☞ ARCHITECTURE: New Addition At 1280 Fifth

The new building for the Museum for African Art at 1280 Fifth Avenue is coming along nicely. Walking by yesterday, we saw that the striking building is in the process of constructing the unique, geometrically stacked windows on the lower floors. This architectural element seemed to have been more complicated since the majority of the building had been erected before these distinct windows were put in place. There's also a box like addition that started construction recently at the far right of the building but the end result of that wing will not be as dramatic. Read more about the newest addition to the Museum Mile and the condos that will be in this location in our past post: LINK. The Museum for African Art is at the northeast corner of Central Park North and can be reached by the 2,3 express train at 110th Street and is slated to open in later in 2010. Photo by Ulysses

☞ QUESTION: Is the Museum of African Art Open?

We received a couple of tips about the Museum of African Art on Fifth Avenue by 110th Street and one Bespoke reader wondered if last night's festivities indicated that the establishment has finally opened.  Another tip sent to our inbox from another reader this week gives us the answer to the previous question:

Just a neighborhood tip. There is a party being hosted for African diplomats at future Museum of African Art on 1280 Fifth Ave- East Harlem. You can see a lot of activity as party is setting up and trucks of tables and catering equipment can be seen going in and out of the building.

As far as the Museum's opening date goes, it has been delayed several times because of funding issues at each phase.  Does anyone have an other updates?

☞ READ: Museum for African Art Delayed Again

The new A.M. Stern condo building at 1280 Fifth Avenue might have renamed itself One Museum Mile but the actual museum on the ground floor needs another $10 million to finish up.  This would be the fifth delay in three years for the Museum for African Art's opening and additional fundraising is apparently needed.  Thus far $86.3 million has been raised for the new institution so there appears to be a lot of donors out their helping the museum along.  Read more about East Harlem's newest cultural center in Philanthropy.com: LINK

☞ BESPOKE: Museum for African Art Windows

The Museum for African Art at 1280 Fifth Avenue did not have an April opening as originally planned but some new windows have recently appeared on the corner of 110th Street.  Funding issues have caused delays and now the estimated debut of the cultural center on the East Harlem side of Central Park will be around Fall 2011.  Last month, the Ford Foundation donated $3 million in funds to get the lobby finished and things look to be moving along once more: LINK

QUESTION: IS ONE MUSEUM MILE IN HARLEM?

The formerly titled 1280 Fifth Avenue changed its name to One Museum Mile a couple of years ago and is listed as in Upper Carnegie Hill so does all of this alternative posturing help with sales?  This 113-unit condo building has units selling in the $2 million to $3 million range for the most part and the Robert A.M. Stern-designed building has just sold out 100 percent in the past month.  Most media outlets have stated correctly that this section of town is actually in East Harlem so are buyers really not doing their research?  In our opinion, the Central Park North location is the big selling point along with the starchitect designs.  Other parts of Manhattan such as the Lower East Side or West Chelsea have public housing in the immediate blocks and have developed rapidly during the housing boom and therefore the issue of being in East Harlem is a non-issue to those who do the research.

Most folks buying into a development like this would realize there is not much around in the immediate area besides the park and 3 sides of the building are directly facing some massive public housing projects.  For the most part, folks who have this kind of money to spend on a condo probably just drive to and from their apartments and probably are not the type to take a stroll around the block.  We also would gather when putting down a couple of million for a place to live, the majority of buyers will bypass the broker sales pitch and figure out where the neighborhood is actually located.

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

Here's the list of most popular posts and comment count for the week.

1. Will an Apple Store Open in Harlem? (21)
2. Lido To Debut This Weekend (13)
3.The Manhattanville Demo End Date (2)
4. 123 West 122nd Street Brownstone (4)
5. What's Up with 46 West 120th? (3)
6. The Second Floor at SoHa 118 (9)
7. The Harlem Brownstone Shell 2011 (5)
8. Catching Up with 1280 Fifth Avenue (3)
9. When NYC Gave Away Brownstones (1)
10. Mixed Retail Signals at Columbia (2)

☞ DWELL: Catching Up with One Museum Mile

Does a star architect, striking design, Central Park views and a prominent museum anchor tenant sell a Harlem condo at twice the average going rate?  If One Museum Mile at 1280 Fifth Avenue and East 110th Street is an example, then the answer is yes.  Checking up on Streeteasy, it appears that 20 contracts are out and 10 closings have been recorded at the luxury new construction in East Harlem.  One 2-bedroom apartment which sold exactly at the original $1.935 million asking priced basically closed for $1,307 per square foot which is easily double what the average condo is going for in Harlem these days: LINK. The listing apparently tries to make the area sound more expensive by calling it Upper Carnegie Hill (which is not a real neighborhood) but the development is technically in East Harlem and faces a few public housing projects towards the east side.  Even with that said, the location and the pedigree of the building have buyers looking the other way and paying downtown prices to live uptown.