Number 272 Manhattan Avenue on the corner of West 111th Street is one of the grandest prewar buildings in South Harlem but has been abandoned for several years now. All that has now changed as of last week since sidewalk sheds went up recently at the 57-unit residential apartments directly facing Morningside Park. DOB permits show that a gut renovation is at hand but it is unclear if this building will be primarily rentals or a condo conversion. This location is one of the best in South Harlem since it is right by the FDB retail corridor, a couple of blocks away from Central Park and is in close proximity to all major subway stops. With that said, the developer should do very well when all finishes up.
I understand that the building was abandoned by the landlord and HPD sat on it for years. But weren't there people living there. When I would pass by at night on the bus I could see lights on in some apartments. This is interesting. I'm told the apartments inside are huge. Hopefully the developer will leave them alone and not chop them up into tiny compartments.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct... people were living there. At least in the early summer of 2012 because I spoke to 2 of them. I hope it get converted into and HDFC with the original tenants having the option to come back and if they wish to continue to be renters under a section 8 program or buyers and a 1/10 the market rate for the area. The rest of the apartments should be shared by 70/30 coops and offered to families of 4 or more from the community. This is my Hope but again... Dream averted!
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