Who built Astor Row and when?

The houses were designed by Charles Buek and built between 1880 and 1883. The development was spearheaded by William Backhouse Astor, Jr., on land originally purchased in 1844 by his grandfather, John Jacob Astor.

Is Astor Row a landmark?

Yes, the houses were designated as New York City Landmarks on August 11, 1981.

What are the architectural features of the houses?

The houses feature wooden porches with decorative cornices, columns, and balustrades. Unlike many Manhattan homes, they are set back from the street and have front and side yards.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Astor Row in New York City

What is Astor Row known for?

Astor Row is a group of 28 three-story red-brick row houses in Harlem, Manhattan, known for being among the first speculative townhouse developments in the area. They are architecturally distinct for their Victorian-style wooden porches and for being recessed from the street with front and side yards, which is a rarity in Manhattan.

What to know

Astor Row is a distinguished group of 28 three-story red-brick row houses located on the south side of West 130th Street, between Fifth and Lenox Avenues in Harlem. Designed by architect Charles Buek and constructed between 1880 and 1883, these homes were among the first speculative townhouse developments in the area. The land was originally purchased in 1844 by John Jacob Astor for $10,000, but the project was spearheaded by his grandson, William Backhouse Astor, Jr., who hired Buek to oversee the construction. Architecturally, the row is a Manhattan rarity. Unlike most townhouses of the era, these houses are recessed from the street, providing each home with front and side yards that offer light and air. Each residence features a wooden porch with decorative cornices, columns, and balustrades, creating a coherent Victorian-style aesthetic that sets them apart from other surviving 19th-century Harlem rowhouses. The social history of the row is as significant as its architecture. In 1920, investor James Cruikshank purchased 20 of the homes and began selling them to Black buyers, marking a transition in the neighborhood's demographics. These homes, previously owned by middle-class and upper-middle-class white families, became part of the same cultural shift that defined Harlem's growth. To preserve this architectural gem, New York City designated the houses as New York City Landmarks on August 11, 1981. This designation helped fund the restoration of facades and critical building systems, including plumbing, heating, and electrical lines, ensuring the legacy of the row remains intact for future generations.

Visitor tips

Bring a camera to capture the Victorian porches and red-brick facades.
Walk the entire length of the row between Fifth and Lenox Avenues to see the variety of porch details.
Respect the privacy of the residents as these are private homes.

Nearby context

Astor Row sits in the heart of Harlem, Manhattan, serving as a landmark of early speculative development on West 130th Street, contrasting with the later developments of the rest of the neighborhood.

Quick facts