Harlem Building Wins State Historic Preservation Award

HARLEM, NY — A Harlem building now home to an apartment complex and Boys & Girls Club was recognized with a New York State Historic Preservation Award, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

For more than 70 years P.S. 186 on West 146th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam educated the youth of West Harlem and Hamilton Heights. The school was built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style in 1903, but closed in 1975. The building, which was once a community jewel, became an eyesore.

The Boys & Girls Club eventually acquired the building and teamed up with private developers to revitalize the building. Today, the building is home to the Residences at P.S. 186 and a brand-new Harlem Boys & Girls Club clubhouse.

The New York State Historic Preservation Awards are give out every year by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The awards recognize buildings or groups that are dedicated to preserving and rejuvenating historic spaces.

"These businesses and organizations make it clear that honoring the past is critical to revitalizing communities, preserving our culture and growing local economies," Cuomo said in a statement. "I encourage New Yorkers to get out and explore these historic jewels and I congratulate this year's recipients for their work to preserve the unique character of our state."

Photo by Google Maps street view