REVIVE: LANDMARKS AND DEVELOPMENT IN HARLEM

News has finally come out about the eventual demolition of Harlem's Renaissance Ballroom building by 138th Street on 7th Avenue and some might just wonder why the historic structure was never landmarked.  There was even a point in time when a discussion was at hand in the community but some very prominent politicians blocked the efforts even though they had their wedding within the halls of one of the first buildings actually built by African Americans during the Renaissance years.  Making an address an official city landmark starts with community approval and if the landowners are against a designation then this deters the process.

So why would property owners not want a landmark designation?  One opinion would be that the fear that a big developer will not want to invest money on a project with limitations on how far they can build out.  This basically makes a building less financial profitable for both parties if you asked folks who think in this manner.

Others might suggest that an official landmark strengthens the value of a building since this will keep the structures unique and provide a cache that a new construction will never have.  Recently millions have been poured into restoring the Corn Exchange Building on 125th Street and the former Ruins on Mount Morris West have been revived even though they are landmarks.

Those interested can check out Curbed New York for the full development details for the former Renny which will meet the fate of many Renaisance era landmarks uptown: LINK