Category Archives: real estate

Harlem featured in UK’s Financial Times

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

May 2, 2011 @ 7:40
By HarlemGal
I always say “one can’t swing a bat lately without hitting the word “Harlem.” The Financial Times, the UK-based business paper, has now featured Harlem in their April 30 House and Home edition. Not too long the FT featured Red Rooster as well. This article quickly goes over Harlem’s rich history, mentions how crime is basically much better throughout New York City especially Harlem in the last ten years,and Harlem’s upswing in major change began back in 2004/2005. The article goes on to interview two homebuyers, one who bought a brownstone for under $1 million and the other who purchased a penthouse apartment on Frederick Douglass Blvd. Both homeowners talked about how much space one could receive in a home in Harlem and within budget. However, one homeowner stressed why they came to Harlem: “I like the sense of diversity I’ve found here.”

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Posted in art and culture, business, Community, education, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurants

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Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park and Hamilton Heights make New York Mag’s Next Big Neighborhood List

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Apr 5, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
It is that time of year where New York Magazine profiles some of the upcoming neighborhoods for 2011. In this week’s edition (April 3), they list 20 of The Next Big Neighborhoods in New York City and two Harlem sections made the list!

A big congrats to Marcus Garvey Park.  This area located in Central Harlem was ranked fourth out of 20. NYMag says Marcus Garvey Park “is undergoing a several million dollar renovation, including smoothed-out sidewalks and the transformation of its existing bandshell into a state-of-the-art amphitheater.” In addition to park renovations, several buildings have sprung up, such as 5th on the Park, located at Fifth Avenue and 120th Street; and “the recently constructed Windows on 123, a pair of buildings graced with limestone-balconied apartments and full-floor lofts.”

Hamilton Heights located in West Harlem, finishes out the list placing 20th on the list.

Another notable mention, is Manhattan Valley, which is right below Harlem on the Westside. They were ranked second out of 20.

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Posted in art and culture, Community, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, review

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UPDATE: Harlem Tavern receives a big delivery, no April Fools

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Apr 1, 2011 @ 11:27
By HarlemGal
While Bad Horse Pizza opens this evening (April 1), looks like Harlem Tavern is slowly moving forward with building the place. This morning there was a large truck spotted at 301 West 116th Street delivering what I assume is hardwood floors. Plus renderings posted on Harlem Tavern’s website show hardwood floors around the indoor bar and dining section!

Given it is April 1st, it’s no joke that Harlem Tavern wants to experience soon what Bad Horse Pizza will experience today, opening day!

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Posted in business, Community, Events, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurant row, restaurants

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Land Yoga lands in Harlem, studio to open up on Frederick Douglass Boulevard

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mar 30, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
We received some wonderful and different news in our inbox yesterday! It’s generally real estate stuff in our inbox. We were informed that Land Yoga will be opening up a yoga studio at 2110 Frederick Douglass Blvd. The exact location is right next to Franz James Floral Boutique in The Douglass Condo.

Land Yoga in Harlem is expected to open in about two months. The space will include two private rooms and will offer adult classes as well as extensive children’s programing, including yoga mini camp this summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-4:30 PM. Land Yoga is also seeking wellness practitioners in acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition, or Alexander technique who are interested in subletting space in Central Harlem.

We were also informed by Land Yoga they are running for a very special grant opportunity that will support their dream to bring yoga to the Harlem community. They need 1,000 votes by this Thursday, March 31. To vote and support Land Yoga, text the word Land to 244326. There is no charge and no spam. Participants will receive two follow-up texts asking name and reasons for voting for this business. Participants must respond to these texts to finalize your vote.

If you want to “like” and learn more about Land Yoga, check out their Facebook page or better yet, learn about the yogi launching Land Yoga by clicking here!

Again, this is refreshing news. We couldn’t be more excited! Namaste!

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Posted in business, Community, Harlem, health and wellness, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate

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‘Central Harlem has experienced a revival’

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mar 7, 2011 @ 11:00
By HarlemGal
These days one can’t swing a bat without hitting the words “Harlem and real estate” together! By that, I mean Harlem is constantly being covered by the main stream press. Searching through my clips this past weekend, I came across another flattering article about Harlem. The Wall Street Journal reports “Central Harlem has experienced a revival. New businesses have moved in, ranging from upscale restaurants and wine bars to cutting-edge boutiques. Dozens of condominiums have sprouted around the neighborhood…”

It’s great to see these articles about my Harlem from the traditional press. However, I am getting to the point when I see these write ups is shouting “tell me something I don’t know.” This article re-hashes what’s already been printed. Come on mainstream press! There are a ton of other positive angles to cover about Harlem. For example, I wish they would profile some of the people who decided to choose Harlem as their home, what was the rationale? Profile those that have new or existing businesses in Harlem. How has this revival impacted local businesses? How are schools affected now compared to years ago? What’s the ratio of families versus single people moving to Harlem? And of course, the money trail is always a good one to follow. A story always arises from the money and paper trail!

These ideas come to mind for me. I’m sure there are more. What other positive angles do you think the mainstream press should cover about Harlem? Tell us!

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Posted in art and culture, Bars, business, Community, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurant row, restaurants

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Jet Income Tax opens in Harlem, next door to Franz James Floral Boutique

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mar 7, 2011 @ 9:00

By HarlemGal
The tax deadline for filing 2010 income taxes is about six weeks away! Have you completed filing your taxes? If not, there is a new business in the area that can assist!

The good folks over at Jet Income Tax have contacted us saying they are open for business at 2112 Frederick Douglass Blvd. and are available to assist with your tax preparation needs! During tax season, they’re open from Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM. According to Marisa Louis, the owner, Jet offers an array of services for the Harlem community, such as bookkeeping for small businesses, financial advice, tax audits, and state sales tax and payroll tax preparation.

So if you’re looking for help in dealing with the tax man, here is one resource in Harlem to consider!

Jet Income Tax
2112 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
New York NY 10026
Office: 212-932-3200
Fax: 212-932-3290

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Franz James Floral Boutique in Harlem to open today, Lido Restaurant as well

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Feb 12, 2011 @ 9:44

By HarlemGal
February 12 is one busy day for some new local businesses opening up in Harlem. As I told you, Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar was scheduled to open before Valentine’s Day and they are now open. Go check them out and tell us what you think of the new digs.

Last night on my way home, I saw folks working inside Franz James Floral Boutique, located at 2114 Frederick Douglass Blvd. I walked in to see what was up. While there, I met the owners, Franz and James (hence the name of the business), and they told me they were opening today, February 12. They will be offering full flower art services, such as arrangements/center pieces for any occasion, and they will be selling loose flowers as well.

By the way, James of Franz James  told me he is from Harlem and continues to live here. So this new business is partially owned and operated by a Harlemite. The same is partially true for Lido. Susannah, co-proprietor, lives in Harlem as well. It’s great to know this. However, we all know a solid product has to be offered.

So if you want to check out these new businesses on Frederick Douglass Blvd. They’re open…starting today!

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Posted in art and culture, business, Harlem, real estate, restaurants, shopping

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New York Magazine acknowledges, Harlem is hot

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Feb 8, 2011 @ 10:30
By HarlemGal
What a difference a year makes?  Let’s reflect! April 11, 2010 Harlem is poorly ranked by Nate Silver for New York Magazine’s Neighborhood Issue. Does anyone remember this article? I certainly do. That article inspired me to write Top ten reason why Harlem is one of the best neighborhoods to live in. Let’s fast forward to today. Harlem and several local establishments are currently featured bright and big this week in a series of articles under the banner The Everything Guide to Harlem in NY Mag. It’s a creme-de-la-creme of articles featuring restaurants, markets, shops and bars in Harlem. My favorite article is The New New Harlem, which is sort of a “Whose In and Whose Out.” In my view, featuring several establishments in this type of format demonstrates the caliber and variety of places located in Harlem. Plus in order to pit two businesses against each other, there has to be plenty of selection. Clearly, Harlem has reached that point.

In closing, I will use soccer terms to describe this Harlem milestone. This article is another G-O-A-L for Harlem. Remember, we won Curbed Cup 2010 too. More importantly, it recognizes (again) what most of us have known all along, and now NY Mag too, Harlem is hot! Adelante!

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Posted in art and culture, baking, Bars, business, Community, entertainment, fashion, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurant row, restaurants, shopping

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Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Blvd wins 2010 Curbed Cup Neighborhood of the Year

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 3, 2011 @ 12:10

By HarlemGal
We won it! Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Boulevard has been named 2010 Neighborhood of the Year by Curbed.com. Yes! Congrats to FDB!

And might we respectfully add, winning the Curbed Cup brings sweet vindication and acknowledges what we have been saying all along, this area is hot! Go back to November 19, 2008 on this site. We predicted that FDB was headed to restaurant row status. Then a year later HarlemCondoLife.com, was the first to use the term “gold coast” to describe the FDB area!

Since our inception in 2008, we have taken some serious blows via blog post comments about focusing on this area. At times it was hurtful and hard not to take personal. However, we looked to our core beliefs and said “blog about your Harlem experience” and this area kept coming forward in our words! Despite these feelings, we emphatically have to state “We love every inch of Harlem.”

And to those who knocked us for believing in FDB, we say “truth is generally the best vindication…” Next up for FDB, New York Magazine!

 

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Posted in art and culture, Bars, business, Community, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurant row, restaurants, shopping

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Harlem Flo buds another store, Busboys and Poets to look elsewhere in Harlem

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Dec 2, 2010 @ 21:21

By HarlemGal
As expected, Harlem Flo has germinated another store at 2280 Frederick Douglass Blvd., which is about a block away from their flagship store.  I walked by Harlem Flo recently and checked out their window displays. They’re looking good! The store appears to have a lot of nice items to purchase for the home. Go by and check it out.

On a separate note, it looks like Harlem Flo will be residing in their new space alone for now and not with Busboys and Poets next door.  I have confirmation that the deal went south for Busboys and Poets to rent the commercial space at 2280 FDB. There is still hope though for the DC-based restaurant to come to Harlem. According to Andy Anas Shallal, the owner of Busboys and Poets, they are still looking for space in the general vicinity.

So this story is not over. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed and hope Busboys and Poets finds retail space soon that meets their needs! Stay tune!

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Posted in business, Community, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate

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