Category Archives: real estate

Quick encounter with Harlem’s Marcus Samuelsson

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Dec 1, 2010 @ 23:23

By HarlemGal
We finally crossed in a direct path with fellow Harlemite, Red Rooster owner and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The quick exchange happened on the evening of November 30. Samuelsson and his stunning wife Maya were at the annual 2010 UNICEF Snowflake Ball. Samuelsson was, once again, overseeing the menu for the Ball, along with Wolfgang Puck, and was part of the live auction.

Our quick encounter was just that. We introduced ourselves to him and his wife and discussed proximity of where we live in Harlem. He then introduced us to his partner in Red Rooster and then we told him how excited we were for Red Rooster to open in Harlem. That was it! I guess I was a bit speechless because it felt like there were a gazillion people around him and his wife. Given that setting, I can confirm that the business partner, Marcus and Maya were absolutely nice and gracious. And of course, we have to comment on the appearance. Oh…what a sharp couple the Samuelsson’s make. They looked fabulous!

We also were able to sample the Red Rooster crab cake that was served to all the guests during the Ball. It was divine as well as the lamb chops. You will want to try the crab cake at Red Rooster once it opens along with the spicy chutney.

If you’ve ever wondered what the financial value is in hiring Marcus Samuelsson to cook you a private dinner, this story will give you some insight. During the live auction at the Ball, they offered a private dinner with Samuelsson, who would come to your home in New York City and cook for you and up to 12 guests. The bidding started at $15,000. The lucky person ended up purchasing two private dinners at $35k  each.  Good for them, but even much better for UNICEF. All the proceeds from the live auction go to charity.

After witnessing several individuals bidding high for our fellow neighbor, chef and Harlemite, all we could think about was how fortunate we are because we will have a short walk to 310 Lenox Avenue when Red Rooster opens! And hopefully, no bidding required to get a table!

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Posted in entertainment, fashion, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurants

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The Gateway Condominium in Harlem completely visible, a tri-colored building appears

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Nov 21, 2010 @ 13:16
By HarlemGal
2098 Frederick Douglass Blvd, where The Gateway Condo resides, is completely visible to the public now after shedding its entire scaffolding. The big heavy metal frame came down this past Friday (November 19) after several years being up to support the construction of the second phase of the condo project. Pedestrians can immediately see how The Gateway Condo stands 11 stories tall with a tri-color look.

I went to StreetEasy.com to see what apartments were on the market in The Gateway Condo. Streeteasy has about five active listings at the moment. There has to be more soon because the center structure appears to have several apartments inside. Some with unobstructed views of Central Park North, West Harlem, and East Harlem. In my view, it would be nice to have one of those apartments on the 10th or 11th floor with views of more than one park. Ahh. If only, we all had little gold mines!

Take a look for yourself. Walk by this block if you get a chance, especially now with the Fall weather being so gorgeous. See how FDB, in this particular block, looks completely different with the scaffolding down! I like it. The sidewalk is nice and wide! I am sure Society Cafe is pleased as well!

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

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Rental apartments available at 2078-2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd in Harlem

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Nov 16, 2010 @ 12:41
By HarlemGal
Awhile back a reader was asking us about apartments opening up at 2078-2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd. We did not have any info then. I believe we do now.

Another reader left this document on our site last night. Check it out! It lists more than 80 rentals available in three separate buildings in Harlem. If you are not interested in the FDB location, there are other choices in Harlem listed, such as 311 West 141 Street, and 203-205 West 119th Street.

Hurry up! We all know how quickly apartments can go, especially in good locations, like Harlem! Happy Apartment Shopping!

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Former POTUS renews office space in Harlem, Clinton staying for another ten years

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Nov 9, 2010 @ 16:15
By HarlemGal
I am not in the vicinity of Harlem this week, however, nothing moves me more while I am away to see an article on the road about Harlem and one of its famous commercial space residents-President Bill Clinton. When I read the article in The Wall Street Journal about the former POTUS staying around in Harlem for another ten years,I felt a big sigh of relief. Why? I believe Clinton was one of few that cast Harlem back into the spotlight starting in 2000 and on when he decided to move his presidential office to 125th Street. He was an early pioneer in jump starting what some have called a rebirth of Harlem. For him to leave Harlem now would have sent a negative message, such as he’s giving up on Harlem. Quite the opposite. By staying around for another ten years, it demonstrates a long-term commitment to Harlem and at the same time it should quiet some of those pundits who questioned his motives for moving to Harlem. In my view, Clinton could have set up shop anywhere else in the U.S., but he choose Harlem. So let’s give credit where credit is due on Harlem’s rise and hotness over the last ten years…and that’s to President Clinton!

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Posted in business, Harlem, real estate

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UPDATE: 371-373 Manhattan Avenue in Harlem back on the market

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Oct 21, 2010 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal

Okay…so the church located at 371-373 Manhattan Avenue, which we first told you about in 2009, is back on the market for around the same price it was listed in the first business quarter of 2010. But what’s confusing is that some are reporting/blogging that the church in South Harlem  is represented by Corcoran. Hmm. My online research shows that this property is with Prudential Douglass Elliman and that the broker is Brian Phillips, who I believe is based right here in Harlem.  I don’t think Corcoran is involved any more. Maybe Brian will  step forward and tell us if Prudential DE has taken the lead with the property?

There is something else worth mentioning about this property. Back in April, we blogged about how the mosque on Frederick Douglass Blvd between 115th and 116th Street was moving to 371-373 Manhattan Avenue. We now know that deal fell through. However, a reader left us a message saying they were looking at an apartment in The Livmor, one overlooking the mosque, and that the realtor commented the mosque was sold…”over a month ago.” If that is in fact true, we have questions: where is the congregation of the mosque going, who bought the space at 2136 Frederick Douglass Blvd and what is going to be built there? Answers anyone!

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Posted in Harlem, real estate

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The Douglass in Harlem participates in open house wine tasting, Bebenoir turns three

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Oct 15, 2010 @ 13:10
By HarlemGal
Harlem happenings for this weekend-October 16th and 17th! Check them out-if it interests you! Have a great weekend!

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Posted in Events, Harlem, real estate, shopping

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Harlem is booming says NY Times supplement

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Oct 13, 2010 @ 13:45


By HarlemGal
Did anyone see the supplement in The New York Times last week featuring the new condo developments in Harlem? It mentions The Livmor, Ellington on the Park, 2280 Frederick Douglass, and The Apex inside The Aloft Hotel.
I know these supplements can be a bit cheesy and there is no editorial involvement. However, in this particular case I want to say the banner rings true for me as well as the quote from Arthur Barnes of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. "I think it is better to define the current phase of development in Harlem as a reawakening." Nicely said Mr. Barnes!
I have only seen hardcopies of this supplement. No luck finding an electronic version. If anyone has an electronic copy, feel free to share!

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

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220 Saint Nicholas in Harlem looking to sell apartments in Spring 2011

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Sep 14, 2010 @ 7:35

By HarlemGal
Construction around 220 Saint Nicholas Condominiums remains the same. The building has most of its scaffolding down leaving the structure partially visible to the public, which led me to wonder if they are getting ready to market these apartments. They are not! 220 St. Nicholas is hoping to start selling in the Spring of 2011. That’s not too far off if you’re looking for a full floor, 1500 square foot apartment in Manhattan!

220 St. Nicholas is offering full floor apartments with the exception of floors seven and eight, which are two bedrooms, two baths. Whomever buys on those floors has to share a floor and pay around 650 to 700k! Not bad of a price given these floors will have either a balcony or terrace. According to the 220 St. Nicholas website, all apartments will have either a balcony or terrace. I think that is an interesting aspect to this building given there are unblocked views of Harlem in that area…for now. Plus most of the new developments around Harlem do not offer outdoor space with every apartment. It’s one or the other.

So if you’re in the market for a full floor apartment with a terrace or balcony in Manhattan near Harlem’s up and coming corridor, Frederick Douglass Blvd., then this new development might be the place for you!

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Real estate broker Todd Stevens creatively showcases Harlem townhouses sold

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Sep 5, 2010 @ 12:41
By HarlemGal

Is Todd Stevens the only Prudential Douglass Elliman real estate broker successfully selling townhouses in Harlem? One might think so after seeing this video found through Matrix. Practically every street address Stevens highlights in his video is in Harlem – give or take one or two addresses. If it is in fact true that he single-handedly sold all these properties in Harlem, and it appears to be several dozen, I have to say to Todd Stevens, “love the video, congrats, and continued success!”

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Harlem rental prices heat up, Red Rooster pictures appear

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Aug 27, 2010 @ 6:30
By HarlemGal

August 26, 2010 was filled with interesting surprises! For the last two years, the rental market in New York has been favorable toward renters, but now that has apparently changed. According to The Wall Street Journal, rental activity levels in Manhattan continue to heat up. The article mentions Harlem and reports that prices on studios with doormen are on the rise in Harlem. They’re up around 5 percent. Wow. How did that happen?  What happened to the double dip recession? I guess it bypassed the NY rental market!

After I read that article, I turn around and read an email from a reader telling me Marcus Samuelsson released photos on his website about the latest construction happenings with Red Rooster.  Along with the pictures, Samuelsson states he is “super excited for the opening and it feels like the community is sharing in the excitement too!” Awh…that’s nice. I just hope the opening of Red Rooster is soon!

See what happens in a course of a day. The rental market heats up and Red Rooster pictures appear! Only in New York…right?

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Posted in real estate, restaurants

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