James Weldon Johnson Residence

The James Weldon Johnson Residence is a five-story brick building at 187 West 135th Street featuring a curved corner bay, vertical sash windows, and limestone details on its symmetrical facade. The structure forms a distinctive architectural pair with an identical adjacent building in the street.

The building was constructed in the late 1800s as part of Harlem's expanding residential development. James Weldon Johnson lived there from 1925 to 1938, using the residence as a base for his civil rights work.

The building served as a gathering place for artists and activists during the Harlem Renaissance, reflecting the creative energy of that movement. People used the space to exchange ideas and celebrate African American culture.

The building is located on 135th Street and is easily accessible by subway. The exterior is visible from the street, but the interior remains closed to the public.

The building was closely connected to the adoption and spread of jazz music that flourished in Harlem during that time. Many artists and musicians visited the location and contributed to the neighborhood's cultural momentum.

Location: Manhattan

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.81528,-73.94306

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48