What might be the most famous brownstone in all of Harlem just does not seem to be making any progress these days. Number 20 East 127th Street was the home of Langston Hughes in his latter years and has been on and off the market since 2009. The 20 foot wide house just east of Fifth Avenue originally entered the market for $1.2 million, had been pulled off the market and returned months later with a new broker along with a price of $1 million back in in August 2010.
Almost one year later, nothing has happened as far as contracts go and the converted rooming house still has the same asking price. A neighbor across the street sold for $1.175 million in the past year but that house at 11 East 127th Street was fully renovated:
LINK. As far as the interior of the Hughes House goes, the townhouse will have to be fully renovated but some of the original details are the best to found in town:
LINK
This home must be a little intimidating in that a new owner hopefully would be reluctant to gut renovate due to the historical significance. This brownstone really needs a buyer who will value and preserve the details, maybe even a literary institution. No doubt in time the right buyer will eventually come forward.
ReplyDeleteI've been inside only once and I can tell you that the details are absolutely stunning. That being said, If I had deep pockets, I would like to buy it with a view of turning it into a shrine/museum to the Harlem Renaissance. Literary readings & performances, research, etc. All dedicated with the Harlem Renaissance.
ReplyDeleteIs the property landmarked? If yes, then that answers the question as to why it hasn't sold....bringing that brownstone back to life while protecting its historic details would be quite the task on a number of fronts.
ReplyDeleteBut aren't there a significant number of abatements and tax credits and grants that would make this do-able?
ReplyDeletePretty sure it's not landmarked, so that isn't a barrier. It's just not nice enough on the inside to warrant a 7-figure pricetag, and there aren't very many people who put a premium on living in a former literary figure's home.
ReplyDeleteIt's individually landmarked - both by the City and by the National Park Service. That means it is eligible for tax credits (currently $50K for the owner's unit and up to 40% for rental units). However, once the 2010 Census gets implemented the eligibility may change - that's where it being in East Harlem might help. It would need to be in an area that's below the median income level for the state. The other trick with the property is that it's classified C5 and probably doesn't have a certificate of no harassment. So financing is quite difficult - regular mortgages may not be an option.
ReplyDeletebut who is the realtor involved? I have a few contacts and friends who might be wiling to save the place, buy the place, r-e-s-p-e-c-t the place -but I can't find who reps it, or if it is still on the market.. seth
ReplyDeleteWhat's the latest on this? I'm a Hughes fan
ReplyDelete