Dark Tower

The Dark Tower was a townhouse at 108 West 136th Street that combined two separate buildings into one integrated structure. Ground-floor retail spaces operated alongside upper-level educational and professional spaces dedicated to beauty services and product training.

The property was purchased in 1913 and expanded two years later with an adjacent townhouse under architect Vertner Woodson Tandy's direction. These renovations shaped the building into its multi-use form during a period of significant development.

The townhouse became a gathering place for prominent Black artists, writers, and thinkers during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. Its role as a center for intellectual and creative exchange made it a symbol of cultural pride and achievement.

The location is now part of a public library that welcomes visitors during standard hours. The site sits in an urban residential neighborhood and is easily accessible on foot from nearby transit points.

The original structure was demolished in 1941 and replaced with a branch library building at the same location. This transformation preserved the site's legacy while serving the community in a new way.

Location: New York City

GPS coordinates: 40.81500,-73.94111

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42