There is an interesting (and maybe odd) mix of stores and businesses along this strip. There are a few places with the gates down and one place for lease, 215. So, here’s a little inside info about the unrecognizable store names. Atmos, which is a store that originated in Tokyo, carries an array of sneakers for people who have a passion for collecting them. Jimmy Jazz carries “urban wear” for both men and women. Portabella is a men’s store that sells an amazing variety of men’s suits and shoes. Orva is a shoe store that carries brands like Uggs and Puma.
While surveying the stores, most employees were very leery of giving out the slightest information. And in most cases, employees and even managers had no idea who owned the store or how long the store has been in business. The stores were barely occupied. Sprint and Starbucks were the only store that had more than 10 people in them. Talking to pedestrians was also difficult. Most wanted to disclose their outrage over how Harlem is changing and no one wanted to give their name. However, there were a dew helpful people along the way.
Crystal (whose last name mysteriously disappeared from my notes), an account consultant at Bank of America gave insight into BOA’s initiatives and marketing strategy. “We are part of the Community Reinvestment Act. We have products tailored specifically to the needs of people in this community based on demographics. Our products ranges from accounts offering to loans.” A manager in Duane Reade (who would not state her name: shocking right!), revealed “Duane Reade leases the space from a church. (She cannot remember the pastor’s name but referred to him as “big daddy”).” A city records search revealed that once upon a time Bishop SC Madison had the deed to the space. He died in 2008. And even if her information is somewhat inaccurate, the laugh received from her facial expressions and the story she told was priceless.
What was learned through independent searching for more information about the beaten up/seemingly on the road to revitalization strip is that the bakery, Crumbs will be filling in the vacant space at 215, the former site of McDonalds. The construction site at 261 will house a Red Lobster and one block east on Lenox Avenue, Whole Foods will be up by 2015. Also, 243 is on the market for $24.5 million and the listing states it will be delivered vacant. This is the same building that houses Orva, GameStop and Portabella.
So, even with Mayor Bloomberg’s rezoning of the area in 2008 to allow for higher buildings and high priced condos going up all around, West 125th is still struggling to find its place.
