Monthly Archives: April 2009

Arts Groups To Occupy Prime Location On 125th Street

By HarlemHouse

Two nonprofit arts groups have been selected as part of the proposed Mart 125 redevelopment project.  They are the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and ImageNation (independent cinema and progressive music established in 1997 to support progressive film and music for black and Latino people).   Soul Cinema would be Harlem’s first and the nation’s only art-house movie theater dedicated to black and Latino films.

mart125-480

Photo: Hiroko Masuike

The jazz museum would use up to 10,000 square feet for a listening library and for performance, exhibition and office space, while ImageNation would create a theater of up to 2,000 square feet.

The project will have to attract interest from developers in order to move forward, and both institutions have announced plans to raise money.

Mart 125 opened in 1986.   It was envisioned as a small-business incubator - creating entrepreneurs who would eventually start their own stores and perhaps own a stake in the Mart.  The state reneted stalls to vendors and promissed management training, which never occured.    The building began to deteriorate, and customer volume could not support the Mart, and stores begain having trouble paying the rent.  The Giuliani administration evicted the vendors.  The building has been empty since 2001.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg declares 4/29 Duke Ellington Day

HarlemGuy

dukeMayor Michael R. Bloomberg has declared April 29 Duke Ellington Day in honor of the 110th anniversary of the jazz legends birth. To commemorate his life, The Islands Of The Bahamas are sponsoring a special run of the last surviving 1939 A Train, made famous by Duke Ellingtons signature tune Take the A Train.  

Paul Ellington, members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and musicians from Music Under New York (MUNY) will perform the iconic song on the mezzanine at 125th Street and St. Nicholas.

All musicians will then board and perform on the historic train as it travels out to JFK in regular service.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10 a.m. Remarks and performance by Paul Ellington, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and musicians from MUNY 11 a.m. sharp All Aboard!

A Train departs 125th Street, making express stops 11 a.m. 2 p.m. The A Train runs in revenue service and is open to the public

125th Street and St. Nicholas A Train (IND) Subway Station.

Sponsors include the Islands of The Bahamas, one of Duke Ellingtons favorite haunts and home of the famous Cat and Fiddle Club in Nassau where top Jazz musicians from around the world entertained in the 50s and 60s.

Click here for more information.

See our blog’s sidebar to purchase a copy of “Take The A Train” on iTunes

Fifth on the Park Attempts First Wave of Closings

By HarlemGuy

Rumour has it at that notices to close were sent for Fifth on the Park condominium yesterday.  Fifth on the Park is one of two Harlem-based ultra-luxury condos and the first to reach this stage since the downturn. 

Located on 120thand Fifth, the project is the tallest in Harlem and faces Marcus Garvey / Mt. Morris Park.  It features multi-million dollar condos, parking, pool, gym, decks and other amenities. 

3444612130_d317a2b946_b

Photo – Royce Douglas

The project was started over two year ago and has been delayed time and again.   One of the founding members  recently filed for bankruptcy, as reported on Curbed, Crain’s and the Raw Deal.

The sponsors claim to have enough solid contracts to close.  However there does not yet appear to be a Certificate of Occupancy.  Additionally it appears some buyers are seeking to get out of their deals and are networking and/or contacting the New York Attroney General’s Office.

For more information please track the latest and greatest on Curbed.com.

Urban Gardening

by Harlemista

mushtari1

I was looking to re-pot a beautiful hydrangea bought at Harlem Flo and the gentleman there referred me to Mushtari Hardware. What a surprise! In the front it’s a well-priced, extensive hardware store but walk to the back and there’s a hidden floral feast. Or maybe a mini tropical rain forest. Immediately my nose was hit with a beautiful waft of humid fragrant air and my eyes were filled with vibrant hues of healthy, flowering greenery. Beyond the plants themselves, Mushtari sells seeds, bags of potting soil, gardening implements and numerous planters. The people that work there are helpful and amiable and the entire store seemed to be quite popular and crowded. Mushtari Hardware is the perfect place to establish your urban garden.

 

Mushtari Hardware

31 W 125th st. 10027

(212)996-5544

Check it out today!

By NativeNewYorker

Every year the students at Mount Sinai host a health fair for the Harlem community.  Last year’s was really fun. Try to stop by!

health-fair12

St. Nicholas Park Easter Festival Rescheduled Saturday, April 18th 2-4pm.

By HarlemHouse

EASTER FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH FROM 2PM-4PM

This year’s popular Easter Festival is schedule to take place at the 135th Street Plaza in St. Nicholas Park on Saturday, April 11th from 2pm to 4pm. Join the Friends as we usher in Spring with Easter egg decorating, an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, cup cake decorating, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny! We need lots of help planning! If you would like to volunteer and help plan for this event please contact us at info@stnicholaspark.org.

http://stnicholaspark.org/2009/04/08/easterfestival/

MOJO Harlem

img_37521

HarlemCondoLife

mojo_buddha1

HarlemCondoLife

mojo_3

HarlemCondoLife

MOJO by HarlemHouse

“At last” opening only two weeks ago Mojo Lounge already seems to have a steady crowd. I went on what I thought would be an empty Tuesday night for dinner and the restaurant was full with a bar crowd as well.

The decor is inviting with a blend of Moroccan flavor to it. The restaurant seats more then you would think by looking at it from the outside. Very comfortable nice atmosphere and extremely friendly efficient waitstaff. The owner “Moun” is personable and welcoming greeting various tables and making you feel at home. Also there is a nice sized “L” shaped bar along the back wall which doesn’t interfere with the dinning area and is very inviting.

I found the menu refreshing and unique for Harlem’s growing diversity of new spots popping up like weeds.

For appetizers I would recommend the Dates wrapped in bacon definitely a unique starter. Also they have a delicious range of Salads generously proportioned for an entree or shared by two. My favorite appetizer was the Grits with shiitaki mushrooms. Think outside the box, it’s not just a breakfast food. Delicious!

mojo-21

HarlemCondoLife

For Entrees I recommend the Grilled Salmon very tender nicely prepared with grapefruit slices and other unique spices. Also highly recommended are the Lamb chops with fries. Seems to be one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Everyone at my table was eating the fries that came with the lamb. Nothing necessarily unique about them other then that they were perfectly executed and dangerously addictive.

interior-airbrushed2

HarlemCondoLife

As for drinks, since they have only been open 2 weeks and I am picky about my cocktails, I’ll go easy on the criticism as I am sure they are growing day by day with helpful tips. The night I was there the bar service was a little slow. The mojitos were delicious once they came, however they had very little rum. Agreed by everyone at my table. They have a menu of specialty drinks that looked very good and maybe those are poured with a heavier hand. The bar is very comfortable and as I was finishing dinner I noticed it seemed to be drawing a growing crowd.

I think with Mojo’s great location, inviting atmosphere, impressive menu, and attractive crowd, it will be an instant hit in the growing scene of Harlemites.

I’m looking forward to going back and trying out more of the menu and giving the bartender a second chance on the mojitos.

Hopefully you will be fortunate to be there on a night that Adriana is working as she will instantly raise your spirits into a good mood and give you no doubt that you have picked the right place to wine and dine.

This restaurant/bar I predict will only continue to get more popular as we enthusiastically approach warmer weather and the need for great new places to relax, enjoy and fulfill our summer nights with.

185 Saint Nicholas Avenue (at 119th St.)img_37563
New York, NY 10026
(212) 280-1924
www.mojo-harlem.com

Treasures In Harlem

By Icare4Harlem

Portable Crib with Stuffed Friends

Portable Crib with Stuffed Friends

In an attempt to attract a broad range of consumers, some thrift stores spruce up their displays with antique furniture covered with lace doilies, china, and crystal. There are tarnished picture frames and vintage clothing all trying to squeeze into that small window facing the street. At the Salvation Army Family Store on 125th St. in Harlem, a weathered sign with the words “Thrift Store” is barely noticeable above the entry.  Sometimes there are items packed in the window and other times it’s rather sparse. However, every time I enter the store, I manage to leave with a little something or in some cases, more than what I dropped off. This unpretentious store, allows me to spend unlimited amounts of time rummaging through other people’s “junk.”

Porcelain Plates from Norway

Porcelain Plates from Norway

It’s sort of like fishing. One day you catch your limit and then next day, well, the big one gets away. If you enjoy browsing and picking up some interesting items, even if it’s only valuable to you, stop by this great thrift store.

1977 James Taylor Promotional Album

1977 James Taylor Promotional Album

Salvation Army Family Store

26 E. 125th St.

New York, NY 10035

1-800-SA-Truck

Spring into Summer with "Harlem Chill Vol.I"

By HarlemHouse

dancing1Harlemcondolife releases it’s third complimentary mix: Harlem Chill (Vol.I).
A soulful mix of downbeat, R&B, jazz, world & soul bringing it up-tempo to a soulful house ending.
Perfect Spring into Summer mix.
Complimentary download courtesy of HarlemCondoLife. Produced and remixed by RhythmDB.
Available on iTunes or podbean.

Spring into Summer with “Harlem Chill Vol.I”

By HarlemHouse

dancing1Harlemcondolife releases it’s third complimentary mix: Harlem Chill (Vol.I).
A soulful mix of downbeat, R&B, jazz, world & soul bringing it up-tempo to a soulful house ending.
Perfect Spring into Summer mix.
Complimentary download courtesy of HarlemCondoLife. Produced and remixed by RhythmDB.
Available on iTunes or podbean.

Pizzeria 123 open for business again

 

By Harlemista

123-shea-two

Several weeks ago Pizzeria 123 was closed to an incident related to nearby construction.  For the full story see Curbed.com.

One of our favorite neighborhood joints, Pizzeria 123, has reopened for business as usual 2 weeks after a “blowout” forced all of the occupants of the building, not just the restaurant, to vacate the premises.

Plenty of hungry tomato-deprived people were feeding their pizza jones on a recent chilly Saturday.

Posh Paws

By HarlemHouse

posh-paws-12

HarlemCondoLife

Do you want happy pets?  Join me and other Harlem residents who are fans of the personable small owners’ attention you get from this everything you need pet supply store.

Owner Doris Wade opened the doors to “Posh Paws” 3 years ago and has had loyal customers ever since.  Who wants to walk up to Broadway to get something your pet needs?

I went in recently… to buy food for my cat, and the knowledgeable salesperson “Katy” suggested I try something other then what I had intended to purchase.   I wasn’t sure as I am stubborn to change.   She kindly gave me a sample, and said “try this, if it works, come back tomorrow and by this instead as it is a much better product and will in the long run be healthier for your cat.”

posh-paws-21

HarlemCondoLife

Well, my cat liked it, and this is why I am blogging about this story today.  It’s the little things in a store like this which make all the difference.  I may never had come back with my free samples, but she was right and I want to shop there even more now.  In today’s economy, every penny counts and it’s reassuring that we have a knowledgeable pet store right in the heart of our hood.

My props of the week go to Doris and her well run shop.
__________________________________________
POSH PAWS OF MANHATTAN
2121 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (between 114th & 115th St.)
212-662-POSH
www.poshpawsofmanhattan.com
__________________________________________

Have faith: Harlem will grow despite the downturn

HarlemGuy

New York Magazine reports that the Harlem real estate market in experiencing a severe downturn.  

While this is true there is also plenty of evidence that Harlem will continue to adapt, grow and thrive in a number ways.  This is Manhattan.  There will always be an over-supply of people looking for affordable housing.  Harlem is on the island of Manhattan.  Which means no long/expensive commutes on subways or trains between boroughs.  This is Harlem.  Despite it’s description as a less than desirable “ghetto” by an uninformed guest on a recent Chelsea Lately show, it’s a cool place to live, steeped in history, full of life and culture, and full of local flavor which is refreshing in what is fast becoming a “big box store” world”.   It’s also full of entrepreneurs who have and will continue to make their way to Harlem and try new culinary, retail and lifestyle experiences that will further enhance the neighborhood.  

Every time I walk the streets of Harlem – and I do so regularly, I am simply amazed at the variety of people and cultures.  I love living here.  I have always loved it here.  That’s why I moved here.  That’s why I intend on staying here.  And I look forward to helping our community grow, one penny at a time – if that’s what it takes.

Costco Store coming to East Harlem

By HarlemGal
New York’s 104.3 is reporting that Costco is coming to Harlem! This is somewhat good news, if it is in fact true! I will still shop at our local venues. However if I need bulk in bubble gum, popcorn or cleaning products, I am so here!

UPDATE: Costco Store is opening up a store in East River Plaza, which is in East Harlem! This is Costco’s first store in Manhattan!

Healthy Living In Harlem

By HarlemGuy

The Harlem Center for Healthy Living, located on 118th right off St. Nicholas Avenue (in the Rosa Parks Building) is a community based organization dedicated to making wellness practices accessible to everyone in the community. 

For a very small ($25 as of this writing) lifetime membership fee, members enjoy a host of activities including exercise classes, special health workshops, and support services. 

hchl

HarlemCondoLife

Robye Patrick Wallace, Executive Director
New Song Community Corporation
163 St. Nicholas Avenue

New York, NY  10026

Phone: 212.222.3256
Fax: 212.222.3258
Email: Robyepatrick@newsongharlem.com