Frederick Douglass Boulevard: The Gateway to Harlem
“Stop and smell the roses,” are the last words that anyone would expect to hear while passing through Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem but that is exactly what the FDBA (Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance) is trying to help you envision. Over 45 of the businesses on the street, consisting of merchants and business leaders, have been collaborating to create a neighborhood guide to attract locals and tourists to the area between West 110th and West 124th Streets. Proponents of the golden strip of market services and stores are proposing the revitalized section of the boulevard as “The Gateway to Harlem.”
Over the last couple of years, Harlem has risen above the crowds as one of more desirable neighborhoods for both affordable and luxury apartments in Manhattan. In 2011, the Curbed NY blog even awarded Harlem with the Best Neighborhood Award and one of the “prime culinary destination” in New York City. Much of the current developments in the neighborhood are in part due to the rezoning of the boulevard back in 2004. Just a little less than a decade ago, close to 40% of the street’s 226 storefronts were vacant. This is in stark contrast to the Harlem we know now, where many high-end apartments and ground-level retail spaces could be found strewn throughout Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Notable recent residential developlements include 2280 FDB and three other luxury style condos by Hans Futterman.
The FDBA reported that they plan to mail the “Harlem’s Gateway & Restaurant Row” maps to over 1,200 households in addition to posting it on the Columbia University’s student and faculty website. For a sneak peek at the map, you can check out the New York Daily News’ coverage on the story.
