The 1920's Beaux Arts building on Fifth Avenue and 127th is a true testament on how a developer can create something that keeps the history in the neighborhood and also provides a unique incentive to live in Harlem. Originally set up as meeting hall for the Finnish community (who knew?) in Harlem at the first half of the 20th Century, the Gospel Temple Church purchased the building in the 1970's and would sell in it in 2005 to developers. With its early-century details of red brick and limestone on the exterior and modern renovations on the interior, the former church building provides a rare alternative to many of the newer properties on the market. The closest subway is the 2,3 express train on 125th Street and the building is only a five minute walk from the Mount Morris Park Historic district.
www.2056fifthave.com
The 1920's Beaux Arts building on Fifth Avenue and 127th is a true testament on how a developer can create something that keeps the history in the neighborhood and also provides a unique incentive to live in Harlem. Originally set up as meeting hall for the Finnish community (who knew?) in Harlem at the first half of the 20th Century, the Gospel Temple Church purchased the building in the 1970's and would sell in it in 2005 to developers. With its early-century details of red brick and limestone on the exterior and modern renovations on the interior, the former church building provides a rare alternative to many of the newer properties on the market. The closest subway is the 2,3 express train on 125th Street and the building is only a five minute walk from the Mount Morris Park Historic district. www.2056fifthave.com
I visited this building several times for open houses and have a few observations, firstly, bravo to the developer for this great restoration work, this building would not look out of place on Fifth Avenue just below Central Park, it always reminds me of the Cartier Building. Secondly, I really hope one day they replace the main entrance cheap stick on building number. Lastly and I find this is true for other Harlem Condos and I’m not sure if this is a criticism, but stepping into this pristine marbled building one is immediately transported out of Harlem and into another world, even more striking is observing the Harlem streets from the above terrace, I felt like I was no longer within Harlem but an outside observer, the restored brownstones do not have this effect.
ReplyDeleteI understand your sentiments here since most new conversions come with very new finishes and penthouse views which contrast against classic Harlem's artisan interiors and low scale architecture. The bland, clinical interiors can alway be changed but its the exteriors that are hard to revive once they are torn apart so it is nice to see developers at least keeping the integrity of the facades.
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