From the signs recently placed out front, it appears that an anchor tenant has still not been found for the historic Alhambra ballroom site at the corner of 126th and 7th Avenue. Over 60,000 square foot of commercial space is available which might include a restaurant or substantial retail component. At this point, everyone wants a Trader Joe's in Harlem and this location would be a good central fit but there is actually too much space just for one store. In our opinion, a large boutique hotel like the W in Union Square with a notable restaurant would be ideal since the above floors were originally designed as housing. This might not really work out since most hospitality chains own their property instead of leasing. Any other suggestions that might make sense?
A diner would be great in that space
ReplyDeleteWhat about a music hall?
ReplyDeleteB.B. King's.
ReplyDeleteCovers both food and entertainment.
That building is so beautiful!! I like the large boutique hotel or music hall idea, but everytime I walk by that place I secretely wish that a tech company would lease that space to open up a branch, just like they do in San Francisco. Of course I have no idea what the space looks like inside but I can only imagine the boost that would bring to the neighborhood!
ReplyDeleteactually, the bowling alley WAS a perfect anchor tenant for this building, it's too bad the business could not be successful.
ReplyDeleteDallas BBQ would do well here
ReplyDeleteA hotel is a great idea, Harlem is popular with tourists and has great transportation.
ReplyDeleteOne thing lacking in Harlem is a venue that includes music; live and dj'd and dancing. We haven't had dance spots in Harlem in many years & the ones in NYC in general were sent packing in the 90's. Its time for a place where people can dance to jazz, old school r& b, disco, house, etc. Something like this would work very well considering at one time the Alhambra was a dance venue. Harlemites of a certain age probably still remember when the "could not" dance at the Al Hambra due to segregation issues. So something along these line would redeem it historically.
ReplyDeleteI second a cool, new yet historic Hotel would be great and a market like Kensington Market in London selling local designers of fashion and accessories.
ReplyDeleteTrader Joes should create a mega store. Their largest in Manhattan. The music hall idea would draw attention away from the Apollo. Two restaurants already failed so that has a slim shot of succeeding.
ReplyDelete