History
After World War II, ‘urban renewal’ was seen as a way to rehouse the urban poor in New York. Progress was being made in Harlem by tearing down dilapidated structures and replacing them with modern geometrically arranged apartment buildings in addition to community facilities. One of these Manhattan projects would be known as Stephen Foster Houses (named after the famous songwriter).
For more information on pre-construction and construction, check out:
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The Plan: The city first acquired the planned Harlem property in 1946 and demolition of the old structures and construction of the new began mid-1950. The ten building complex would be just a few blocks north of Central Park and would span from 112th Street to 115th Street and Fifth Avenue to Lenox Avenue (Malcolm X Blvd). In total, the newly constructed buildings would hold 1,379 apartments. All houses would be designed to give lots of sunlight and fresh air and throughout the area. There would be fine lawns, plenty of trees and shrubbery, parking lots and many playgrounds for children. Each apartment would be clean, well-heated and have one or two large windows in every room.
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History
And Heart
Of MLK Towers
Daily News, NY, May 8, 1952
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The first families moved in on May 8, 1952 while construction in the complex was still occurring. The final building of the ten was completed on October 31, 1954. The complex was eventually renamed Martin Luther King Towers in 1968 in tribute to the slain civil rights leader.
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In addition to the ten reddish colored buildings that rise 13 and 14 stories into the Harlem sky, the new families also found a three-square block community filled with manicured areas of grass, numerous playgrounds and countless trees, which could quickly shade their tired bodies on a hot summer's day. How could the tenants not be excited about the opportunity to live in this brand-new chance for the future.
For more information on the first to move in, check out:
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Many generations of families have come and gone since the first eager families moved in. Over the years, there's been numerous changes to the landscape but Stephen Foster Houses/Martin Luther King Towers was built on of loving memories of friendships created. Superficial alterations will never change the warm feeling of family, which has always been the foundation of King Towers and will be for many generations to come.
