East Harlem’s Rapid Rise

 

While the story of East Harlem’s resurgence is nothing new the rate of change is. We’re close to reaching a tipping point here. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Upper East Side combined with Manhattan’s burgeoning population is having a profound influence on the real estate, food and culture.

I moved here in 2004. In the past three years I’ve seen dozens of new buildings take shape. I’ve seen old business replaced by new. The transformation is quickening.

A new luxury development on 110th b/w Lex & 3rd. Note the Schomburg Towers in the background.

My studio apartment (in a five floor of a walk-up on 112^th & Lex) does not have the prettiest views. Friends won’t visit unless prompted. Even so, I have no interest in moving. I’m just a block from the 6 train, my apartment is spacious and bright, I have laundry in the basement. If I jump off my fire escape I will catch a glimpse of the Empire State Building. I’m a five minute walk from Central Park.

My apartment building. Note the new “Global Link” Gallery

The same apartment would cost 50% more just twenty blocks south. That’s serious money - a savings of $5,000 - $6,000 each year. Living here has allowed me to work on my own terms and pursue new and interesting projects.

When asked what seem to be the prototypical New Yorker questions, ‘where do you live and what do you do’ I’m often greet by quizzical expressions…as if they wanted to say “why would anyone want to live there?” The question is often one of safety. But I’ve never felt unsafe. Last year there was a shooting across the street. I was more put off by the police officer who questioned me than by the act. People need to take a hard look at statistics before they pass judgment - random violence is extremely rare. Everyone I’ve met has been friendly and treated me with courtesy.

Part of the neighborhood’s image problem stems from the preponderance of public housing. Zip code 10029 has the largest concentration of housing projects anywhere in the U.S. The city is committed to preserving the housing, even as condos, co-ops and new rentals sprout up.

Public housing on 112th & Lex.

The public housing is largely responsible for keeping real estate affordable; prices range from $400,000 for a one-bedroom condo to $699,000 for a three bedroom unit. Two-bedroom apartments in new rental buildings go for about $2,500 to $3,000 a month.

Crown Condos on 110th & 2nd Ave.

A smaller new development on 110th

The changing demographics are fueling the growth of upscale restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and galleries. Their arrival confirms the suspicion that this is an area worth residing - at a certain point the neighborhood will reach the tipping point I alluded to earlier. We’re not there yet, but it’s getting close.

 

Ryan from Savoy Bakery (the first location is in Tenafly, NJ) set up shop a few months ago. Want a good cup of coffee around 110^th Street? You’d be hard pressed to find one anywhere else. While business seems good, it will certainly get a boost from the condo development rising across the street.

 

 

Michelle, a life long East Harlem resident, plans to open the East Harlem Cafe on 104^th and Lexington this summer. The 1200 SF space will reflect all facets of Puerto Rican culture. In addition to coffee which is ground and roasted in house, the cafe will serve small plates such as sandwiches and dessert as well as wine and beer.

 

This is Michelle’s first foray into the restaurant scene. She was aided by a loan from the East Harlem Business Capital Corporation, a non-for-profit which supports new small businesses. Preserving the neighborhood’s flavor is a top priority to those who grew up here. The East Harlem Preservation, founded in 2005, is an advocacy organization that promotes, preserves, and protects the neighborhood’s culture and history.

 

The struggle to maintain a sense of identity will be ongoing. There is no quick fix. The influx of new, culturally dissimilar visitors (I include myself in this group) will no doubt increase from a trickle to a steady flow.