Mount Morris Park Neighborhood Walking Tour of Homes June 13th!
The Historic Mount Morris Park Neighborhood Announces its 21st Annual Walking Tour of Homes Sunday, June 13, from 11 am to 4 pm.
It’s easy to walk the streets of Central Harlem these days and observe all the preservation, renovations, new construction and new businesses that look like they could be in SoHo and wonder, “Wow, what’s next!?”
That’s what inspired the theme of this year’s Annual House Tour: What’s Now. What’s New. What’s Next!
As we begin the second decade of the 21st century and prepare to invite guests to the neighborhood this June for the 21st Annual House Tour, we are proud to show off how we’ve cared for the architecture, style and details of the 19th century past by preserving it for today—What’s Now.
The new developments and businesses coming into the community today are not displacing but rather replacing former vacant lots and abandoned buildings that for too long depressed the late-20th century community’s sense of hope—What’s New.
And now, as the 21st century unfolds in this global village of Mount Morris Park and Central Harlem, we imagine how this rekindled spirit and verve will continue to more the community forward—What’s Next!
Guests will visit 12 venues including inside brownstone homes, urban live/work apartments, boutique art galleries, landmark churches, and the landmark jazz club, Minton’s Playhouse. Guided walks by architectural historians and park rangers will highlight local architecture and Marcus Garvey Park landmarks, including the Harlem Fire Watch Tower.
Here’s a sampling of what to expect throughout the day:
11 AM to 4 PM: Follow the Self-Guided Tour of Homes at your leisure. Tour venues in different stages and styles of restoration. One brownstone has a parlor and living room restored to how it might have looked in the early 1900s—with intact stained glass windows, inlaid floors, original fireplaces and detailed woodwork. Another brownstone protects the historical details while converting the four-story structure into a three-family home, showing how additions can enhance a historical renovation and care for the past by preserving it for today—What’s Now. Two venues, one formerly a vacant lot and the other an abandoned building, are now forward-looking condominiums with spectacular views and amenities to match—What’s New. And, finally, during this 21st Annual Tour in this 21st century, the What’s Next for Central Harlem will also be explored. Visitors are invited to join the discussion.
Ephesus Church, c. 1932 1 PM and 3 PM: Join one of the Architectural Walking Tours led by architectural historian, John Reddick. Listen to his architectural descriptions and insights about the Mount Morris Park Historic District.
12 Noon and 2 PM: Join the Marcus Garvey Park Walking Tour led by an Urban Park Ranger show you such park landmarks as the Amphitheater built–and soon to undergo an upgrade and restoration–with funds provided by the City of New York and Broadway legend and former resident, Richard Rodgers Family Foundation, and the Fire Watchtower on top of the Acropolis, which, at 152 years old, is the only surviving structure of its kind in New York City. And it’s got a view to die for!
12 Noon and 2 PM: Go Inside & Intimate with Harlem historian and preservationist, Michael Henry Adams. Listen to his architectural descriptions and insights about the Mount Morris Park Historic District. Separate ticket needed for this tour.
Tickets: $25; $20 if purchase in advance
We accept cash, checks and credit card.
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