PROTECT: DORRANCE BROOKS HISTORIC DISTRICT

Harlem Bespoke: It is kind of shocking that the brownstone neighberhood adjacent to Strivers Row does not have landmark protection but community groups now appear to be winning the battle for historic preservation.  Last month the city's Landmark Preservation Commission agreed to calendar the proposed Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District for future review which is definitely a positive step going forward.  The area in question starts at the triangular park which surrounds the north east entrance of the 135th Street station at St. Nicholas Park.  

Dorrance Brooks was a beloved local black soldier who died in service during the first World War and Harlem honored his memory with the naming of the park.  The immediate blocks north of the green space up until 140th Street would then be protected along with the blocks just south of Strivers Row below 138th Street.  This will also be the first NYC historic district named after an African-American.

We had posted a petition on the church that developers wanted to omit from this designation but it turns out the commission listened to the people and the house of worship will also be protected within this part of Harlem. Right now it appears the community is starting to understand that advocating for landmark protection will actually prevent overdevelopment and keep the neighborhood intact.  Hopefully more of historic Harlem and the Heights will be made into landmark districts going forward.  Read more about the district on the City Land site: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2021