Isn’t it captivating how a neighborhood can transform? Port Morris is one such place. It is a mixed-use area in the southwest Bronx. Today, we will explore its story together.
Port Morris’s history is intertwined with industry and innovation. Gouverneur Morris Jr. established a deep-water port here in 1842. He then built a railroad to connect Melrose with his waterfront holdings. It was later called the Spuyten Duyvil and Port Morris Railroad.
In the mid-to-late 19th century, factories and warehouses dominated Port Morris. They were conveniently located near the railroad yards. Oak Point Yard is the main survivor of these yards. Early businesses included the R. Hoe Co. and Cutler & Hammer Tool Works. There was also the Mothers Friend Shirt Waist factory. The Estey Piano Company Factory was another notable business. It is now a designated city landmark.
The Mott Haven Canal once emptied into the Western Port Morris riverfront. This served the industry in Mott Haven. The Board of Health declared it a “nuisance” in 1896. So the canal was slowly refilled. The last segment was in use until the 1960s.
Port Morris was also the site of the Hell Gate generating plant. George Metesky, also known as the Mad Bomber, was injured here. He had plagued New York City for decades.
The northern approach to the Hell Gate Bridge is a notable feature of Port Morris. It is supported by concrete arches. These arches start northward from East 132nd Street. They sit between Willow & Walnut Avenues.
The South Bronx Greenway is being extended to Randalls Island. It will cross Bronx Kill via the Randall’s Island Connector. This connector runs under the Hell Gate Bridge. It opened in November 2015.
Arson ravaged Port Morris in the 1970s. It destroyed many buildings. However, industry began to return late in the century. Many abandoned residential buildings are being rehabilitated. They are now designated as low-income housing.
The New York City Council created the “Port Morris Special Mixed-used District” in 1997. This led to the rehabilitation of residential row houses. It was the first special mixed-use district. In 2005, the city expanded this district. In December 2017, the “Special Harlem River Waterfront District” expanded as well. This allowed high-density mixed-use development along the Harlem River.
Today, Port Morris is experiencing revitalization. Many historic buildings are being converted into lofts. The Clock Tower, formerly the Estey Piano Corp factory, now houses Charlies Bar & Kitchen. Artists and young professionals are moving to Port Morris.
The New York Restoration Project is working to revive the waterfront. This will create green space for the community. As a result, Port Morris is becoming a hub for upscale eateries. In 2015, Silvercup Studios announced it would convert a warehouse for film and television productions.
Two developers proposed calling Port Morris “The Piano District.” They purchased riverfront properties to establish luxury residences and retail. However, this renaming faced opposition.
Additional developments have taken place in Port Morris. The Bluestone Group purchased a former factory building in June 2016. It was renovated in 2019 and became Union Crossing. In 2020, renting began for The Arches. Brookfield Properties is developing “Bankside.” It is a complex of high-rise residential towers.
The Bronx Harlem River Greenway will run through Port Morris. It will connect the “Randall’s Island Connector” and the South Bronx Greenway.
Port Morris has a diverse population. It consists of Latin Americans, African Americans, and a small white population. The median income is higher than other South Bronx neighborhoods. This is due to recent rezoning.
The Estey Piano Company Factory is a landmarked building in Port Morris. It is now referred to as the “Clock Tower”. The Bronx Grit Chamber is another landmark. It processes raw sewage.
Several subway stations serve Port Morris. These include 138th Street–Grand Concourse and Third Avenue–138th Street. Bruckner Boulevard is the primary thoroughfare.
Port Morris is a neighborhood in transition. It blends its industrial past with new development. It shows the dynamic nature of New York City.