Tag Archives: real estate

Beauty shop alert in Central Harlem

Jul 20, 2010 @ 13:57
By HarlemGal
Taking my usual stroll up Frederick Douglass Boulevard, I noticed another store front papered with question marks. Is it just me that notices this approach? Practically most new businesses use this method in Harlem.
The store I am talking about is at 2220 Frederick Douglass Blvd right across the street from the upcoming Chocolat.
Several sources say this piece of real estate is being prepped as a beauty salon. Hmm? Not a bad addition to the area if it is in fact true! Do you know anything about this space? If so, diganos!

Is The Wall Street Journal in love with Harlem?

Jul 19, 2010 @ 12:18

By HarlemGal
I can’t help but notice how the Rupert Murdoch business publication called The Wall Street Journal keeps writing and profiling Harlem in their real estate section in a very positive light! It just happened again over the weekend with a highly complimentary article titled Costco, Condos Accent Today’s East Harlem, which is also known as Spanish Harlem.
To my knowledge, this is about the third or fourth positive article in this conservative publication about Harlem this summer. Based on those brief statistics, I have to ask: is The Wall Street Journal in love with Harlem, a neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan, long known as the black capital of the world? Let’s recap to answer that question.
About a month ago, Austin2Harlem told us about the raving WSJ article on Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Then we see ongoing coverage about the Emmitt Smith hotel project. Up next was a somewhat sympathetic article about a condo titled Getting Deals Done. This talked about the unique structure called Gateway Condominiums. And now in July, we see a glowing article about East Harlem by the Journal saying it “has come alive.” These are the printed words you will now see in what I believe to be one of the most conservative business papers on the planet. I am not knocking their coverage of Harlem. I am just saying I am shocked that this is now happening and that I somewhat agree with some of the things mentioned by the Journal about Harlem, which leads me to answer my own question with an enthusiastic YES!, I do think The Wall Street Journal is madly in love with Harlem. Can you blame them?

Harlem’s 115th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd getting a glass makeover

Jul 9, 2010 @ 16:24

By HarlemGal

There is so much construction change taking place in the southwestern part of Harlem one would thing it would be impossible to keep up with. That could be the case if it weren’t for readers informing HarlemCondoLife on where to go take that next stroll around Harlem. I am learning to listen to those tips and that’s what I did today (Friday). A reader tipped HCL about a ton of retail construction happening on the southwest corner of 115th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd., also known as 7th Avenue. I checked it out. Thank you Lynn!

There are two scenarios floating around about what is happening with this retail space in Harlem that I am estimating to be more than 3000 square feet. One worker said that the space is being cleaned out and turned into a laundry mat. Interesting. Not my favorite scenario since most of the buildings in the area have laundry facilities inside the building and there are two other mats close by: one on Frederick Douglass Blvd., and 114th Street and the other on St. Nicholas and 113th Street.

Another person hanging out in front of the construction, said that the owner, who happens to own the entire complex located at 1890 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd., is remodeling the space to get an entire new tenant. It is rumored that the owner of this retail space wants $15,000 in rent. I believe that is 5 thousand less than what is requested on Frederick Douglass Blvd. I hear some commercial space goes for around $20k with a ten-year commitment. Not cheap!

Overall, I hope something unique and interesting moves into this space, such as a diner or another mom and pop drug store. What do you want? Diganos! Who knows…maybe the owner is listening!

Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Boulevard receives recognition from The Wall Street Journal

Jun 19, 2010 @ 7:30

Graphic by The Wall Street Journal

By Austin2Harlem

Every day I am surprised by what I see and learn living in the Big Apple. Yesterday was no exception. While surfing the internet on June 18, I came across a complimentary article in The Wall Street Journal about Harlem, my new adopted home. I moved to Harlem a little over a year ago from Austin, Texas.

What I found interesting about this article is that it focused strictly on Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Blvd. (FDB), a street I venture up and down often that starts at 110th Street and continues past 125th. I agree with what the Journal said about Frederick Douglass Blvd.: “When you walk through the neighborhood, you can find different things that you wouldn’t have ordinarily found before.” This statement is true from my perspective.

In the short, but exciting, period that I lived in Harlem so far, using the term change to describe FBD is putting it mildly. There is always something new happening on FDB. The Circle opened up recently, two major apartment buildings have been finished since I arrived, several restaurants are operating on or near FDB and soon this boulevard, also known as 8th Avenue, will be getting its very own beer garden. The FDB metamorphosis continues. And witnessing it like this-and reading about it in a notable publication-makes me very happy that I get to live and experience Harlem life.

Emmitt Smith Harlem project receives green light, high end grocery store and hotel expected

Jun 8, 2010 @ 21:43

By HarlemGal
Crain’s New York is reporting that Emmitt Smith and his partner/investors received federal tax-exempt financing today. ESmith Legacy Harlem was approved for $19.7 million in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds, which it received through the New York City Capital Resource Corporation. I believe this was the last hurdle Mr. Smith’s firm was waiting for. Now they can proceed to build on the empty lot at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue. Once that happens, the entire make-up of that area will continue to change.

Online reports are saying that the plan could bring a Whole Foods to Harlem, a Hyatt-branded hotel along with 129 construction jobs and 81 permanent jobs. Nice. Let’s just hope the project does not take forever to build.

I  have one message for Emmitt Smith: build it in a timely and reasonable manner. Please do not take forever!

Gateway Condo in Harlem sheds part of scaffolding curtain

May 14, 2010 @ 10:52
By HarlemGal
If you were wondering what’s behind those scaffolding curtains drapping over Gateway Condominiums located at 2098 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Central Harlem, we now have a preview! Part of the curtains are down. I believe it came down yesterday. I guess the developer wants us Harlemites to see that the center part of the construction is almost finished. I use the words “almost” cause I am hoping the center building will be painted to match the other buildings it is joined next to.
The center building that we can all see now was a vacant lot. There’s not too many of those lots left at the base of Central Harlem. Vacant lots are slowly vanishing.
As for Gateway Condo, let’s hope the other part of the curtain comes down soon from the part of the building that’s sitting on top. Last week, I saw a giant crane taking big items to the very top of the building. The construction worker on site said they were trying to cover the 11th floor.
Given all this recent activity, let’s just hope those efforts continue so that the project can be finished!

Red Rooster lands on Lenox Avenue, Marcus Samuelsson to be cooking in Harlem Fall 2010

May 7, 2010 @ 18:07

By HarlemGal
Can I just say from the start, I adore and appreciate our HarlemCondoLife.com readers very much! They’re like a Tonnie’s cupcake! Awesome! Seconds from when the Crain’s New York story broke about Red Rooster landing at 310 Lenox Avenue, a HCL reader notified us right away with the news! A big thank you to Tero!
As soon as I received that heads up, what did I do next? Aside from responding to our reader, I picked up the phone and called Marcus Samuelsson’s flack. Here’s the chisme!
The lease was just signed this week so the ink is barely dry. Samuelsson and his team are aiming to have Red Rooster open for customers this Fall. I probed a bit further. The PR rep did not want to comment on why 310 Lenox Avenue versus other locals throughout Harlem nor say anything about length or amount of the lease? The rep said “those type of details are for Marcus to answer and that’s not possible right now since he’s out of the country.” Hmm, I wonder if our celebrity chef and local Harlem resident gave those folks quoted in Crain’s the green light to say something about the location of Red Rooster? Given that Marcus is not available to confirm this wonderful news himself, I seriously doubt it. It seems like someone or somebody stole a little bit of Samuelsson’s thunder! If so, that’s not cool!
As for my thoughts on the Red Rooster location in Harlem, to be honest I was keeping my figures crossed that it would land on Frederick Douglass Blvd., however, after walking over to Lenox Ave to check out the space tonight (Friday), I can see why Samuelsson choose that location. It’s right next to Chez Lucienne, Sylvia’s and the planned Hyatt Hotel backed by Emmitt Smith and partners. Also, 310 Lenox Avenue is right by the 2/3 subway line. Uptowners and downtowners can easily get to Red Rooster. In addition, all those Bravo TV viewers, who watch Samuelsson on Top Chef Masters-Season 2, and plan to or regularly visit the Big Apple will trek up to Harlem. Double hmm. Can you say the words “tourist invasion is upon us…soon…again!

Top ten reasons on why Harlem is one of the best places to live in New York City

Apr 14, 2010 @ 7:19

By HarlemGal
This is a blog that writes about all things positive about Harlem. We tell our stories from “nuestros corazones.” Unfortunately, we don’t have data, grids or a fancy magazine to back up our stories. We only have words, life experiences and a love for all things Harlem. And what better time to use these descriptions and tools than right now-especially given the recent edition of New York Magazine.

To profess our reasons on why we believe Harlem is one of the best places to live in New York City, we created our own Top Ten List. Sorry Dave. We have to borrow a page right out of your playbook to make our point. Here we go….

Top Ten Reasons on why Harlem is one of the best places to live in New York City:

10. Harlem is almost 400 years old. And guest what?….we will still be around for another 400 years! Isn’t lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn suppose to sink under water?

9. Harlem is very green. We are near several three parks: Central Park North, Jackie Robinson Park, Morningside Park, Riverside Park, Riverbank State Park and Marcus Garvey Park. Harlem also has St. Nicholas Park, which a reader told us “is one of the most historical (along with Hamilton Grange, City College, Hamilton Heights and Striver’s Row near).” Shouldn’t we count Riverside Park too? Then that would be four parks we are near.

8. We are home to the highest institution of higher learning in the State of New York, Columbia University. Park Slope kids will be living in Harlem when they get older and head to Columbia.

7. We have many different neighborhoods and some of their names are sweet, like sugar, or romantic as Spanish.

6. We are one of the happiest according to a recent survey. To tell the truth, we are very happy in life. However, we are not happy with New York Magazine right now….

5. Because you can have a date with red, not Red Butler, but red as in red velvet cake at Lee Lee’s Baked Goods on 118th Street. Delicious!

4. We have famous songs about or that mention Harlem that are as diverse as its people. Harlem River Quiver is by Duke Ellington. Angel of Harlem is by U2. Spanish Harlem Incident is by Bob Dylan and Across 110th Street is by Bob Womack.

3. We have some serious wide sidewalks where there is plenty of elbow room for you and your baby stroller. Parts of the Village are like walking through a football field.

2. We have the famous Apollo Theater. Need we say more.

1. And the number reason on why Harlem is one of the best places to live in New York City, because This blog is going to go negative for once on its blog. We don’t believe or give a flying hoot about Nate Silver and his recent findings. Politics done right does not necessarily mean neighborhoods done right!

Nate, come up and visit us any time. We will show you all the great things Harlem has to offer!

Harlem condo receives FHA approval, Park Central taking calls

Feb 5, 2010 @ 0:17
By HarlemGal

There seems to be  plenty of condo activity happening along our favorite boulevard in Harlem, i.e. Frederick Douglass Blvd!

We received notice, along with every other site, that 2280 FDB, a new residential development in Harlem, has been FHA approved. Yeah!  Good for them.

Then as you walk south, you will see a new condo being built right on the intersection of West 121st Street and St. Nicholas and FDB (triangle intersection). This space is now getting dressed with glass.

And then a few more blocks down, you will see that the netting has come down on the Park Central Condo and a phone number is posted for those that want to inquire.

Those few blocks along FDB from 119th to 123rd are shaping up to be very nice. And of course, those that decide to move to this area of Harlem are expected to have a new cafe close by called Triangle Cafe. Nice!

Occupants seen in Adam Clayton Powell/Central Park North corner building in Harlem?

Dec 14, 2009 @ 11:50
By HarlemGal
A reader recently informed us that folks have been seen moving into the northeast corner building on Adam Clayton Powell and Central Park North. I went by there today and there are signs of occupancy of life in the building. There are blinds hanging inside a couple of apartments.
We are guessing that this building is not offering market rate apartments since there has been no outdoor for sale sign and another reader commenting that they heard it was an HPD building! Whatever the case may be,
we noted awhile back how this location is primo! Most of the apartments have park views! Nice!