On December 16, 2013, a five-alarm fire engulfed a row of storefronts on 145th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, destroying at least 5 businesses in the heart of the block. Beginning in a hair salon, the fire destroyed two neighboring churches, a funeral home, a food pantry and a discount store. Fortunately, no injuries were reported but the blaze took nearly 200 firefighters to extinguish. The low-slung storefronts were demolished shortly after, and the site has remained a fallow scar on the well-trafficked cross-street since.
Storefronts before 2013 fire
Property today; Google streetview
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Now, we’ve uncovered new renderings drawn up by Harlem-based architecture and planning firm, Body Lawson Associates (BLA) showing the site’s possible renaissance. While details remain scarce and city building applications have yet to be filed, BLA lists the project as “on the boards” and says it will be a 62,000-square-foot, mixed-use project housing 42 residential units. Three published renderings show the building will rise eight stories tall and will be covered in a dynamic exterior of alternating panels, large windows and framed in dark-grey brick. Judging from the church cross shown in the rendering, it appears a new home for the Gospel Spreading Church of God will be provided a new space within the building’s base.
Night view, Body Lawson Associates (BLA)
Rear facade, Body Lawson Associates (BLA)
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