(Repost of article dated, February 12, 2021 – Columbia Spectator)
Due to the developments driven by Columbia, West Harlem has piqued the interest of investors and developers in recent years. However, much of the neighborhood’s original architecture remains intact. In an effort to curtail rapid change in the neighborhood and preserve its history, local organizations are working to designate the West Harlem Historic District.
The district would be between 135th Street and 155th Street, delineated east by Amsterdam Avenue and west by Riverside Drive. Within the 40-block span sit 900 buildings, many of which contain a lot of local history. The process of historical preservation and landmarking is vital to preserving the neighborhood’s character and architectural history, according to Anthony Carrion, the co-chair of the Landmarks Preservation & Parks committee of Community Board 9.