“Walk Your Horses” The words etched on the weathered gate beckon you. Welcome to Saint Nicholas Striver’s Row Historic District. This isn’t just a street. It’s a story etched in brick and brownstone. A tale of ambition dreams and the enduring spirit of Harlem.
This magnificent row of houses between Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard is more than just pretty facades. It’s a national and city historic district. The buildings are architectural masterpieces. Three famous firms designed them between 1891 and 1893. David H King Jr envisioned a haven for the city’s elite. He built what he called “King Model Houses”.
King’s vision was grand. He wanted to create a self-contained neighborhood. The houses were designed with modern amenities. They featured dark woodwork. They offered stunning views of City College. He even incorporated alleyways. These were a rare feature in Manhattan. The alleys allowed for discreet horse stabling and deliveries. Today these spaces are mainly used for parking.
However King’s dream didn’t fully materialize. Economic depressions struck. His grand project failed. The Equitable Life Assurance Society foreclosed on most units in 1895. Ironically the houses sat empty for years. They were later opened to African Americans in 1919-20. They sold for $8000 each. These “strivers” as they became known gave the district its name.
Saint Nicholas Striver’s Row quickly became a hub for prominent African Americans. They were leaders and professionals. Eubie Blake W C Handy and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson all lived here. This area became a symbol of success. It represented the achievement of a community.
By the 1940s many houses fell into disrepair. They were converted into single-room occupancies. Much of the original interior detail was lost. However the beautiful exteriors remained intact. A real estate boom in the 1990s saw renewed interest in restoring these elegant homes. Many are now being restored to their original grandeur.
As you stroll along Striver’s Row imagine the stories whispered within these walls. Hear the echoes of laughter and ambition. Feel the weight of history beneath your feet. Saint Nicholas Striver’s Row is a testament to resilience. It’s a symbol of the enduring spirit of a community. It is a true gem of New York City.