Gov. Hochul Nominates Harlem Site To Register Of Historic Places

HARLEM, NY — A public housing building in Harlem was named by Gov. Kathy Hochul last week as one of the more than a dozen spots across the state she'll seek to add to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Metro North Plaza, at East 102nd Street and First Avenue, was nominated to the list because of its significance in public housing history, Hochul announced last week.

The three-building site contains 275 apartments and is home to 628 residents.

“New York is defined by its diverse culture and history, and we are continuing efforts to preserve and protect our state's inspiring stories,” Hochul said. "With the addition of all 15 of these sites, we are encouraging the public to learn more about our past.”

In addition to the historic designations, the listing makes the sites eligible for various public preservation programs, including matching state grants and federal and state historic rehabilitation tax grants, said the Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore at New York State Office of Parks, Randy Simons.

"With this support and with opportunities for investment, these resources can continue to be active spaces and contribute to the economic vitality and pride of place of their communities today," Simons said.

Metro North Plaza was one of several public housing developments born from a collaboration between NYCHA and local community groups in an attempt to meet the needs of neighborhood residents in the 1960's.

NYCHA partnered with the Metro North Citizens’ Committee — led by Reverend Norman Eddy — and began hosting meetings in 1963 to encourage investment and rehabilitation to improve conditions for the residents of East Harlem.

Working with former Mayor Robert Wagner and NYCHA, the MNCC worked to help design and plan what would eventually become Metro North Plaza, built between 1971-1973. The final design of three towers of varying heights was developed by prolific Modern architect, William Lescaze, known for his efforts to create ethical urban living conditions.

Last year, Metro North Plaza, along with the Gaylord White Houses on Second Avenue, were set to receive $85 million in repairs from the NYCHA Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.