PROTECT: DORRANCE BROOKS HISTORIC DISTRICT

Harlem Bespoke: It is kind of shocking that the brownstone neighberhood adjacent to Strivers Row does not have landmark protection but community groups now appear to be winning the battle for historic preservation.  Last month the city's Landmark Preservation Commission agreed to calendar the proposed Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District for future review which is definitely a positive step going forward.  The area in question starts at the triangular park which surrounds the north east entrance of the 135th Street station at St. Nicholas Park.  

Dorrance Brooks was a beloved local black soldier who died in service during the first World War and Harlem honored his memory with the naming of the park.  The immediate blocks north of the green space up until 140th Street would then be protected along with the blocks just south of Strivers Row below 138th Street.  This will also be the first NYC historic district named after an African-American.

BESPOKE: TRADERS JOE'S DONATES BACK FOOD

Harlem Bespoke:  Another thing to look out for when Trader Joe's opens on 125th Street in a couple of years is that the affordable super market will also donate food back into the community.  We go to the Trader Joe's on the Upper West side all the time because of the easy 8 minute subway commute from 125th Street and noticed the donation sign every time we are at the check out.  It is no secret that a lot of waste happens in the food industry and this is an incredible way to solve the problem.  We actually did not know what the big deal was about TJ's until shopping at the supermarket when they arrived in NYC years ago but now it is our weekly go-to for saving on groceries.  Check out our past post for more on Trader Joe's arriving in Harlem: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2021

DWELL: 455 WEST 144TH STREET OFF MARKET

Harlem Bespoke:  Number 455 West 144th Street arrived on the market in the middle of last summer for an asking set at $3.9 million but now the single-family home in the Hamilton Heights historic district has been delisted since mid February of the new year.  This is hands-down one of the prettiest blocks in all of New York City and the 20-foot-wide home has a lot of original details intact within that appear to be in really good condition. We expect maybe a price adjustment when the listing returns in the future.  For those look for the best in the neighborhood, this is the one to look out for.  More details and photos on Streeteasy: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2021

SEE: LOVE LETTERS FOR HARLEM EXHIBIT

February 20th to March 27th, Love Letters for Harlem photo exhibit at Claire Oliver Gallery, 2288 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard by 135th Street.  Claire Oliver Gallery is featuring works of local photographers up at the brownstone gallery space next week with part of the proceeds will going to United Methodist Church to help provide 1,200 daily meals to those in need in the neighborhood.  See the exhibit online or book a socially distant appointment.   More details and contact information at the Claire Oliver Gallery site: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2021

SUBSCRIBE: HARLEM BESPOKE BY EMAIL

Harlem Bespoke:  Get daily Harlem Bespoke posts via email the moment they are published by subscribing below. Just enter your e-mail address and click on subscribe to get started. 

Enter your e-mail address: