Long before the concept of Stephen Foster Projects Houses existed, there was a thriving community that many others called home. The following is a short story, which took place around the turn of the century (1900).
Before
The Beginning
A few steps west of the old cabin, now sits Building 70 West 115th St.
62 West 115th St., photo taken: Dec. 27, 1897
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70 West 115th St., photo taken: July 2018
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It was four years since that snowy day and the turn of the 20th century found Angelo still at his little cabin. He needed to stretch his legs so he walked around the corner on that cold afternoon in January 1901. Angelo turned to look back on the steps he had taken from the west corner of 115th Street. More stores and apartment buildings were sprouting up. On that very same corner, his best friend used to have a homestead. Now there was a dress shop where the small cabin used to stand and from across the street, came the distracting fragrance of fresh bread from the newly built bakery.
On Lenox Ave, facing the corner of 115th St., photo taken: about 1901
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On Lenox Ave, facing the corner of 115th St., photo taken: October 2017
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Angelo continued his walk south on Lenox Avenue and found himself on the strip of wooden platform that allowed people to walk from one side of 112th Street to the other. The crazy things that others had said were true. Earth-moving shovels and a massive amount of men and were digging out Lenox Avenue as far as he could see running north and south. Railroad track was going to be placed under the ground.
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Angelo shook his head because he couldn't understand the need for it. There was already an elevated railway that traveled from lower Manhattan, that towered over Ninth Avenue. Daily, trains made that dangerous-looking turn toward Eighth Avenue as it passed 110th Street heading north. The teeth-chattering noise of the overhead monstrosity moving across the skyline had been heard by Angelo since 1879. But what was going to be placed under Lenox Avenue was ludicrous. It would be called a "Subway." And the train would be the I.R.T. Line," whatever that stood for.
Looking north on Lenox Avenue from 112th St. toward 113th St., photo taken: about 1901
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Looking north on Lenox Avenue from 112th St. toward 113th St., photo taken: May 2019
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During another one of Angelo's walks, the weather was a bit warmer. By March of 1901, the strong supports, which would hold back the anxious soil, were in place. The streets would still need to be properly repaved so it could withstand whatever street traffic would press down on the overhead tunnel, whether it be horse-drawn or automobile.
The building south of 112th Street still remains. The old brownstone buildings that stood between 113th and 112th Street were demolished and replaced by Building 71 West 112th St. Central Park north can be seen in the distance in both photographs.
Looking south on Lenox Avenue from 114th St. toward 112th St., with Central Park in the distance. Photo taken: March 12, 1901
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Looking south on Lenox Avenue from 114th St. toward 112th St., with Central Park in the distance. Photo taken: May 9, 2019
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Angelo had finally made his decision. He would be leaving his close-knit community within the week. Hazy overcast skies blanketed his mood as he gazed up at the five-story tenement on south side of Lenox Avenue near 114th Street. Angelo was certain that the line of proud structures would remain there for many more years, despite the changes in the neighborhood.
The row of brownstone buildings (as seen on May 1916) were demolished so that the large playground and the Building 70 Lenox Avenue (in the background) could take its place.
84 Lenox Avenue, photo taken: May 24, 1916
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70 Lenox Avenue behind MLK Park, photo taken: May 2019
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Coming soon: The building of Stephen Foster Projects Houses
1 COMMENT
LEN PRINGLE
10/20/2019 06:21:14 pmHad no idea what preceeded your building..@ 70 Lenox Ave and the adjacent area. A "Log Cabin"...who knew?
Lenox Ave also, underwent some major transformation with the forth coming IRT line...with the demolishing of those old structures.
I am amazed how you un-coverd this important lost information.
Great Work...Bro. Lloyd
LEN PRINGLE
10/20/2019 06:21:14 pmHad no idea what preceeded your building..@ 70 Lenox Ave and the adjacent area. A "Log Cabin"...who knew?
Lenox Ave also, underwent some major transformation with the forth coming IRT line...with the demolishing of those old structures.
I am amazed how you un-coverd this important lost information.
Great Work...Bro. Lloyd