One of the last Astor Row addresses to remain vacant appears to now be making major progress in finally getting restored. A reader noted some activity at 60-66 West 130th Street a couple of months back and it is evident that some major progress is being made at the facades close to the corner of Lenox Avenue. The top photo shows the state of the house earlier this summer when the landmark property was mostly a shell with busted windows. At the lower photo, one can see that new windows have now been installed after months of interior demolition. One are can also see that the brick outer walls are being repointed with new mortar but the color of it seems to be a bright white. Reports have it that a church will be built on the adjacent lot and that these buildings are also owned by that said church. Read more about the landmark block of Astor Row in our past post:
LINK
There are already two churches on that block, plus at least two more within a half block radius. What a terrible waste of space to add a fifth.
ReplyDeleteHaven't we had enough of the Harlem church-bashing? So, Harlem has a lot of churches. Are they keeping out anything except establishments that serve liquor? I'm not much of a church-goer, but having too many churches is far from Harlem's most pressing problem. I live across the street from one, next door to one, a block away from one and around the corner from one. Three of the four are magnificent, and I read a post on a French blog urging tourists not to miss "the many beautiful churches of this classic neighborhood."
ReplyDeleteAs you can see, Church is a very successful business in Harlem.
ReplyDeleteI love the beautiful architecture of many of the churches and their role in outreach programs, but there are too many churches!! They a huge money makers. They are all tax exempt - no financial contribution to the community.
ReplyDeleteHarlem’s biggest problem should be too many churches.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love 132nd street,I often find myself dreaming of living on this street. I envy the front porches and gardens. I'm surprised the two end house weren't renovated during the bubble. This is really a beautiful block and I am so happy to see the end houses getting the love they deserve
ReplyDeletewell, even if a church builds in that lot (which seems unlikely), it isn't stopping Lenox Wines from moving into the storefront on the NE corner of 130th/lenox.
ReplyDeleteActually, many Harlem churches are in financial trouble, which may end up solving the problem some of you have with their existence. Be careful what you wish for, though. I doubt that people who've experienced the effects of mixing abundant alcohol and a large low-income population would be eager to see them go.
ReplyDeleteChurches around the city are in trouble not only Harlem; my issue is not the proliferation of churches but the fact that they block prospective businesses that would not affect their business.
ReplyDelete