Who Were the “Strivers” in Harlem

Janes Walk

Led By Savona Bailey-McClain, West Harlem Art Fund

The Brownstone is a New York way of life. These row houses were considered tract homes for the middle and upper-middle classes. New York counts over 200,000 row houses across the City. Once derided as too modern and artificial at the end of the 19th century, these homes are highly sought after now.

The St. Nicholas Historic District was originally known as the David H. King Model Homes or the King Model Houses, created in four rows and three architectural styles: Italian Renaissance, Georgian and Yellow Brick facades with limestone. Built from 1891 to 1893, these homes remained empty until after World War I. Black families from the South and the Caribbean could finally purchase these homes after years of push back. Learn who lived here and how they became known as Strivers. We’ll discuss how row houses transformed New York City forever.

Accessibility

From 135th Street and Lenox Avenue to 139th Street and 8th Avenue/Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Friday, May 6, 2022
3:00 PM
Less than 1 hour

Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Art & Architecture
Language: English
Houses on Lenox Avenue in Harlem. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Jim Henderson.