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Hotel Theresa

Once known as the 'Waldorf of Harlem,' this historic 13-story landmark is a testament to African American social and political life in Manhattan's Harlem neighborhood.

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What is Hotel Theresa known for?

Known as the 'Waldorf of Harlem,' it was a major social center for Harlem's African American community and hosted prominent Black social, political, entertainment, and sports figures, as well as foreign dignitaries.

Can I still stay at Hotel Theresa?

No, it is no longer a hotel. It closed as a hotel in 1970 and currently operates as an office building known as Theresa Towers.

Where is it located?

It is located at 2082–96 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between West 124th and 125th Streets in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1912–13 by Gustavus Sidenberg and designed by George & Edward Blum, it was a whites-only hotel until 1940. After dropping its discrimination policies and hiring Black management, it became a vibrant hub for Black entertainment and intellectual life.

Who are some of the notable people who visited?

Cuban premier Fidel Castro stayed there in 1960 during a visit to the UN General Assembly, where he had a famous meeting with Malcolm X.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Hotel Theresa, located at 2082–96 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, stands as a monumental piece of New York City's social history. Built in 1912–13 by Gustavus Sidenberg and designed by the architectural firm George & Edward Blum, the 13-story steel-framed building was the tallest building in Harlem at the time of its construction. The structure is noted for its distinctive white brick and inventive use of terra cotta ornamentation, reflecting the singular approach of the Blum brothers. For decades, the hotel operated as a whites-only establishment. However, in 1940, the hotel dropped its discrimination policies, hired an African American manager and staff, and began catering almost exclusively to a Black clientele. This shift transformed the Hotel Theresa into one of the most important institutions for Harlem's African American community, serving as a major social center from 1940 until its conversion into an office building in the late 1960s. At its height, the Hotel Theresa was famously known as the 'Waldorf of Harlem.' It hosted prominent Black social, political, entertainment, and sports figures, as well as foreign dignitaries. The hotel's two-story dining room and bar and grill became central hubs for Harlem's black celebrities during the 1940s and 1950s. It also appeared in multiple editions of the Green Book between 1940 and 1967, providing a safe haven for Black travelers. In 1960, the hotel entered the national limelight when Cuban premier Fidel Castro stayed here during his visit to speak at the United Nations General Assembly. During this stay, the hotel became the site of a famous meeting between Fidel Castro and Malcolm X. The building was designated a New York City landmark in 1993 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, and now operates as Theresa Towers office building.

Visitor tips

  • View the terra cotta ornamentation on the facade to appreciate the Blum brothers' design.
  • Allow time to walk around the block to see the building's full-blockfront presence on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.
  • Since the building is now an office building, focus your visit on the architectural details of the exterior.

Nearby context

The Hotel Theresa is located in the heart of Harlem, situated between West 124th and 125th Streets on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, placing it in a historic district of Manhattan's most famous African American neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links