A Miracle in Harlem
Harlem, New York, was build up during the 19th-century, and its population was almost exclusively white. In the early 20th-century, Harlem became mixed races, then almost exclusively black. Harlem drastically declined in the late 20th-century, and became synonymous with decay and violence.
As the resurrection in New York continues to reach extraordinary new heights, Harlem, too, has experienced a dramatic rebirth. Once again, Harlem is coming a mixed-race community. Property values have skyrocketed during the past 20 years.
On 125th Street, the Corn Exchange was built in 1883. The structure has just been gloriously reborn, and this brings a thrill to my heart.
The Corn Exchange Building in 1982. Pretty grim. But a common sight in 1982.
The Corn Exchange Building in 2015. Wow. Wow! WOW!
However, as glorious as this rebirth is, one cannot appreciate the magnitude of the work from just the above two images.
Scroll way down. I am delaying your view.
WARNING: You will be stunned.
The Corn Building in 2012. NOW one can appreciate the miracle.
As amazing as the restoration/recreation is, it would have been even more amazing had they recreated the original upper two levels as they were built in 1883. These levels remained intact until sometime after 1940, when they were simplified. It is this work which has been recreated (see below).
2015. Again, wow.
3 Comments
Leave a Comment
Your email address will NEVER be made public or shared, and you may use a screen name if you wish.
Just wonderful! I have always been fascinated by Harlem and Brooklyn, and hope to visit there some day. I love your posts, Ross!
Thank you, Sue!
WHAT!? Yes, very impressive, but for all the trouble to recreate, why ditch the efforts at the top? Money? The top I find somehow disturbing, STUCK ON just to say, “Okay we’re done.”