Who lived in Strivers' Row?

The area was home to notable Black professionals, performers, and public figures, including Eubie Blake, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and heavyweight boxer Harry Wills.

What is the history of the name?

Originally named King Model Houses, the colloquial name "Strivers' Row" arose from its residents beginning in 1919 and was named for its hard-working Black residents.

When was it built and by whom?

The row houses and associated buildings were built between 1891 and 1893 by developer David H. King Jr.

What should I check before going?

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

Strivers' Row in New York City

Q: Where is it located?

It is located in the Harlem neighborhood of Upper Manhattan on both sides of West 138th and West 139th Streets, between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard (Seventh Avenue) and Frederick Douglass Boulevard (Eighth Avenue).

Strivers' Row

A historic enclave of stately Neo-Italian and Georgian townhouses in western Harlem, once the prestigious residence of the African-American elite, intellectuals, and artists.

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What is Strivers' Row known for?

Strivers' Row is recognized as an outstanding example of late 19th-century urban design and an architectural gem featuring Neo-Italian and Georgian townhouses. It was a cultural mecca for Black intellectuals and artists starting in 1919 and served as a powerful symbol of success for the African-American elite of the 1920s.

What to know

Strivers' Row, officially known as the St. Nicholas Historic District, is an architectural gem of western Harlem. The district consists of row houses and associated buildings built between 1891 and 1893 by developer David H. King Jr., who also developed the Washington Arch and Madison Square Garden. The area is recognized as an outstanding example of late 19th-century urban design, featuring three distinct architectural styles, including Neo-Italian and Georgian townhouses. Originally called the King Model Houses, the community's colloquial name, Strivers' Row, emerged beginning in 1919. This name reflected the hard-working Black residents who lived here, and the neighborhood became a cultural mecca for Black intellectuals and artists. For the African-American elite of the 1920s, living in this enclave was a powerful symbol of success and social standing. The district includes 117 three-story homes, which were originally designed for Manhattan's elite. These landmarked brick townhouses line tree-lined streets on both sides of West 138th and West 139th Streets, between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. The area was designated as a New York City landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1967 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Today, the blocks of stately row homes continue to attract artists and professionals. The neighborhood maintains a cinematic feel, maintaining its status as a rich source of local history and a testament to the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance.

Visitor tips

Walk the entire length of West 138th and 139th Streets to appreciate the three distinct architectural styles.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby St. Nicholas Park, which is fully accessible.
Since these are private residences, please be respectful of the residents' privacy while taking photographs.

Nearby context

Strivers' Row is located in the heart of western Harlem, adjacent to St. Nicholas Park, where the 1776 Battle of Harlem Heights took place during the American Revolution.

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