2004-2008 Fifth Avenue

An extraordinarily well-preserved row of early brownstones dating from the 1860s, 2004-2008 Fifth Avenue were designed by Christian Brand as part of the initial development of Harlem from an independent village into an urban district and predate much of the later rowhouse architecture for which the district is famous. Despite this, they are, amazingly, not… Continue reading

9-11 West 124th Street, The New York Public Library, Harlem Branch

Standing at 9-11 West 124th Street, the Harlem Branch of the New York Public Library is one of the numerous handsome branch libraries erected by the organization in the years during the construction of its main building at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue.  An elegant design by McKim, Mead & White, it balances austere detail… Continue reading

41 West 124th Street, The Church of Antioch

41 West 124th Street, now the Church of Antioch, is a battered but still commanding survivor from the Mount Morris Park District’s brownstone days.  A growth of ivy adds a picturesque note to its appearance – but the coat of white paint was a mistake.

35-38 Mount Morris Park West, The Montana

Following the vogue started by The Dakota for naming luxurious apartment houses after the Western territories, The Montana at 35-38 Mount Morris Park West is the grandest such building to face the park and was designed in 1900 by George Pelham, who also designed Two West 120th Street a year later. A stern essay in… Continue reading

32-34 Mount Morris Park West

32-34 Mount Morris Park West are a well-preserved trio of houses similar to those at 26-30.  They were designed by Charles Baxter in 1881.  34 MMPW is of note for its still partially-extant observatory, which was installed in the early 20th century by the Dwight Family, who also built 31 MMPW next door.  Not visible… Continue reading