Manhattan Avenue-West 120th-123rd Streets Historic District

The Manhattan Avenue-West 120th-123rd Streets Historic District is a residential area in Harlem containing 113 brownstone and brick row houses spread across four blocks. Each building rises three stories above a raised basement and displays architectural details from several late 19th-century styles.

The buildings in this district were constructed between 1886 and 1896 during a period of rapid urban expansion at Harlem's western edge. This building phase brought new residences for the area's growing population as the city continued to spread northward.

The row houses display Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Romanesque, and Renaissance Revival styles that shaped late 19th-century residential design in this part of Harlem. Many residents today appreciate these architectural details and use these streets as a neighborhood with strong local character.

The district is bounded by Morningside Avenue to the east and Manhattan Avenue to the west, making it easy to find your way while walking. The best way to experience the area is a slow walk on the sidewalks to notice the details of the facades and entrances.

The buildings form uninterrupted sequences where many original architectural features such as stone ornaments, window frames, and entrance doors from around 1890 remain intact. This continuity is rare in the city and makes walking through these streets feel like stepping back into late 19th-century urban living.