a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsTdsqtjeeI/AAAAAAAAD2c/9WTUGbHNOwI/s1600-h/cornicA.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:360px;height:280px; src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsTdsqtjeeI/AAAAAAAAD2c/9WTUGbHNOwI/s400/cornicA.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387674813691296226//abr /a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsTdsIa4g-I/AAAAAAAAD2U/G1TsIxPmdy8/s1600-h/corniceB.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:360px;height:240px; src=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsTdsIa4g-I/AAAAAAAAD2U/G1TsIxPmdy8/s400/corniceB.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387674804486177762//abr /a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsTdr_TKDaI/AAAAAAAAD2M/HbApR9AoJeQ/s1600-h/corniceE.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:360px;height:260px; src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsTdr_TKDaI/AAAAAAAAD2M/HbApR9AoJeQ/s400/corniceE.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387674802037853602//abr /Cornices are the crown of any prewar building and Harlem has quite a few. Unfortunately, the cornice usually gets the last bit of attention and often times are removed completely. A reader wanted us to post more on services and restoration so we will combine some known resources with our periodic brownstone revive post. br /br /The above shots are the before and after of cornice work from the Brownstone Authority, which is a company that works in Brooklyn and in Manhattan on most facade related repairs. The middle photo is the before shot and shows a typical wrought metal cornice with peeling paint and weather damage. The same cornice is at top with resurfacing, resealing and a new coat of paint. One of the new, cost effective cornices are those reproduced in fiber glass (lower photo). br /br /We had mixed feelings about fiberglass replicas when we first heard of the trend, but one can compare it to when cornices where originally hand made from wood or carved from stone, and how mass produced, manufactured metal cornices took over as the more cost affective option. If fiberglass looks the same as metal and if cars can use it, then why not a building? We would rather have folks finish off their building up top in the cheaper option than to leave this detail neglected. Nothing more sad than seeing a complete row of brownstone and having that one building, with the missing cornice, break up the visual line of architectural detail up top. a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://www.brownstoneauthority.com/cornices.htmlwww.brownstoneauthority.com/adiv class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-6385917180518262910?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsNd1yr25eI/AAAAAAAAD1c/Klw71uHPLbY/s1600-h/ps157.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:380px;height:370px; src=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SsNd1yr25eI/AAAAAAAAD1c/Klw71uHPLbY/s400/ps157.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387252757985420770//abr /A reader had inquired about vacancies at the majestic P.S. 157 apartments on St. Nicholas Avenue, between 126th and 127th Street, and we remembered that the flag out front had some contact information on it. Bluestar Properies took control of the historic schoolhouse conversion over a year ago and apparently is looking to fill the ground floor with retail space. Advertised as over 5,000 square feet available, we think this would be a really cool place to get a prestigious type of store in for the neighborhood. Read more about P.S. 157 in our previous post: a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://harlembespoke.blogspot.com/2009/07/dwell-ps-157-lofts.htmlLINK/adiv class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-1045798002101355388?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrzPk_fR0aI/AAAAAAAADwE/bwzD9nbeL4k/s1600-h/theresa.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:380px;height:400px; src=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrzPk_fR0aI/AAAAAAAADwE/bwzD9nbeL4k/s400/theresa.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385407488853135778//abr /The balcony on top of the landmarked Hotel Theresa has been going through what looks like an extensive renovation for the most of this year. We assume since the building has landmark status, the building’s owner (Columbia University) is doing the right thing and replacing every part exactly to plan. It seems that maybe new steel supports and foundations have been added currently but not much else has been going on this year. Maybe this one will be finished by summer 2010. See our past post on the iconic Hotel Theresa: a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://harlembespoke.blogspot.com/search?q=theresaLINK/a. The former hotel is on the corner of Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue) at 125th Street. Take the A,B,C,D or the 2,3 train to 125th.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-6114741561236745238?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrpCTvbJSlI/AAAAAAAADuM/M8_7PJKO2EA/s1600-h/castironB.jpgimg style=margin:0px auto 10px;display:block;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;width:380px;height:315px; src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrpCTvbJSlI/AAAAAAAADuM/M8_7PJKO2EA/s400/castironB.jpg alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384689211390118482 border=0//abr /a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrpDdGVencI/AAAAAAAADuU/XRjvtRcRaW8/s1600-h/castironC.jpgimg style=margin:0px auto 10px;display:block;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;width:380px;height:335px; src=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrpDdGVencI/AAAAAAAADuU/XRjvtRcRaW8/s400/castironC.jpg alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384690471670816194 border=0//abr /While walking around the Morningside Heights border of South Harlem, we noticed how color really affected the iron work of turn-of-the-century buildings. The top photo of a side street in the 120’s really shows how typical brownstone blocks can have a dramatic visual effect by adding color. The reliable old standard is black or brown to match the stonework, but we found the cooler colors refreshing to look at. In general, natural stone or certain metals — such as the green patina of copper, verdigris — work best as departure points for color. Stay away from purples, indigos or pinks for they usually don’t work out on brownstones. The lower photo, taken along upper Manhattan Avenue, shows how limestone-colored buildings often get a boost from lighter hues. The classic creamy whites are always a complement to the pale stone, but softer blues, greens and terra cotta colors also look great. We just see a lot of black or rust red out there, so it’s refreshing to see a bit of artistic flair from brownstone owners and co-ops.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-5329450134567537232?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrjwfE6K5II/AAAAAAAADts/7_IZn29puaU/s1600-h/duke.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:400px;height:321px; src=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SrjwfE6K5II/AAAAAAAADts/7_IZn29puaU/s400/duke.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384317771205764226//abr /After the dress-down late 1990’s and early millenium, fashion has definitely gone the opposite direction. No more holes or faded washes on jeans and girls are finally getting into their feminine side with wearing dresses. The men are taking back the classic menswear of the 1920’s and 1930’s with most young actors and entertainers wearing three piece ensembles, retro eyewear, bow ties and even cardigans. This is all the language of classic menswear that we are finally returning too. Tailored and well fitted, the above shot of Duke Ellington really inspires us and we hope that the trend sticks around. a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://harlembespoke.blogspot.com/search?q=oyama B. Oyama’s/a sartorial store on ACP/7th Avenue has many classic images of the great Harlem icons and we hope that more retailers uptown go with the trend of dressing up and showcasing what is unique about Harlem’s historic style. BYTW, double breasted suits or jackets are really on the cutting edge for the guys these days but makes sure it’s fitted and cut close to the body.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-4689646838679925605?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SqkZQWpnXTI/AAAAAAAADik/ODxcxJDccDU/s1600-h/pineAA.jpgimg style=margin:0px auto 10px;display:block;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;width:380px;height:229px; src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SqkZQWpnXTI/AAAAAAAADik/ODxcxJDccDU/s400/pineAA.jpg alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379858998619495730 border=0//abr /Most of the folks that we see in Harlem who have old pine flooring try to replace it because the contractor deems it cheap and poor quality. It is true that regular pine is a soft wood and should not be used for floors, but what one finds in a 100 year-old building is actually Heart of Pine, which is just as valuable as any Brazilian Cherry Wood or any of today’s designer wood floors. br /br /Heart of Pine was cut from the core of the oldest, tallest pine trees that no longer exist today. Since these trees were the oldest in the forest, the wood was much harder and more durable than any pine wood that one would find on the market. In fact, all Heart of Pine sold today was either salvaged from old houses or fished from old riverbeds where pine mills used to process the wood. The above shows a close up of the tell-tale, long oval knots and tiger stripes that one finds in the wood. So restore that old pine floor and appreciate its character for it is one of a kind.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-5380902978637326832?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SoAjvnhGe-I/AAAAAAAADAU/YCmCMPS9m2I/s1600-h/shell.jpgimg style=margin:0px auto 10px;display:block;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;width:400px;height:295px; src=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SoAjvnhGe-I/AAAAAAAADAU/YCmCMPS9m2I/s400/shell.jpg alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368330056794274786 border=0//abr /How much is the renovation financing for a shell these days is a big question on people’s minds. Another issue is the financing for renovations loans to folks that are qualified. We have been hearing a lot about banks not giving out loans for total gut renovations if the developer does not have the assets to buy a shell for cash since the $400k-600K renovation cost will basically double any mortgage set up for a home. The best bets for starter buyers seem to be brownstones that are in a habitable state with bathroom and kitchen working and the ceiling, floors and walls intact. Peeling paint, missing chunks of plaster and surface cracks running throughout the walls are okay, just as long as things are in working order. Banks are more willing to finance this type of renovation loan for a first-time brownstone buyer who needs a mortgage since it will be less costly. So unless you can buy the a total shell for such a low price that would equal to a total cash purchase, do not depend on the banks to give out loans to renovate a complete gut renovation. The above photo is that of the shell on Malcolm X/Lenox Avenue’s landmarked block in Mount Morris Park.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-5590311262681724063?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SntJ6H-SiRI/AAAAAAAAC7I/js8gyBCp_g8/s1600-h/woodbath.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:380px;height:480px; src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SntJ6H-SiRI/AAAAAAAAC7I/js8gyBCp_g8/s400/woodbath.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366964643863628050//abr /a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SntJ5zpYHOI/AAAAAAAAC7A/jWKQCj5bLoY/s1600-h/bathA.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:380px;height:288px; src=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SntJ5zpYHOI/AAAAAAAAC7A/jWKQCj5bLoY/s400/bathA.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366964638407204066//abr /a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SntJ5i3e0zI/AAAAAAAAC64/CDZZeIwNtRU/s1600-h/bathC.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:380px;height:470px; src=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SntJ5i3e0zI/AAAAAAAAC64/CDZZeIwNtRU/s400/bathC.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366964633902961458//abr /Many folks are often confused about what makes a bathroom period appropriate and current. Too much of one or the other can throw off the balance of a historic home. The center photo is that of a bath in many of the catalogs in the mid 19th century when indoor plumbing for the middle classes started to catch on. Wood combinations and wood encased cast-iron tubs, marble floors and wallpaper were quite common. Tiles came into play later on in the century when mass manufacturing caught on and the combination of subway tiles, wood and wallpaper can be seen by the 1890’s (last photo). Note the older homes had polished brass fixtures while the newer ones at the turn of century preferred polished nickel-plated brass. The top photo is a great example of having many of these elements together to for a bath appropriate for a 19th century historic home. The striped wall paper is a bit more masculine and an absolute must is that the hardware and fixture look new and not distressed. Wood paneling surrounds the tub and soft elements such as woven carpets and framed art set a more classic mood for a room great for a master bath but maybe not so much for the kids. This kind of bathroom would be great for the Sylvan Terrace row houses for they predate many of the brownstones in Harlem. We will cover other types of baths in future post.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-8651142179371611333?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmW0sfCFDCI/AAAAAAAAClU/8cAL1WlR2oE/s1600-h/stoop.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:400px;height:309px; src=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmW0sfCFDCI/AAAAAAAAClU/8cAL1WlR2oE/s400/stoop.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360889607791905826//abr /a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmW0r9bpxHI/AAAAAAAAClM/gO7xjf3RhiQ/s1600-h/stoopscratch.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:400px;height:300px; src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmW0r9bpxHI/AAAAAAAAClM/gO7xjf3RhiQ/s400/stoopscratch.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360889598772364402//abr /Nothing is more Harlem than the brownstone stoop and they often are not in great condition. We occasionally see the tell-tale sign of stoop resurfacing by the scratch coat finish that the restoration entails before applying the final, smoother, brown coat. The stoops on first photos are from our West 132nd Street tour and the lower photo is a stoop in progress from the owner of a NYC brownstone at a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://reclaimedhome.com/2009/07/15/the-10700-stoop/reclaimedhome.com/a. The owner paid $10,000 for a responsible contractor but admitted it could cost less if one was willing to take a quality risk. So there you have it. A good chunk of change but worth it in the long run for the those lazy summer conversations on the steps.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-3364336935644432588?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmQ7r1TFZrI/AAAAAAAACkE/Cwfufirv4wY/s1600-h/jimmysmith.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:400px;height:400px; src=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmQ7r1TFZrI/AAAAAAAACkE/Cwfufirv4wY/s320/jimmysmith.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360475080705271474//abr /a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmQ-eAVJQJI/AAAAAAAACkM/vNdpYLHD9Rw/s1600-h/kates.jpgimg style=display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:400px;height:300px; src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKr9URsCkeE/SmQ-eAVJQJI/AAAAAAAACkM/vNdpYLHD9Rw/s320/kates.jpg border=0 alt= id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360478141683417234//abr /This jazz great Jimmy Smith’s album cover is also a record of another institution in Harlem. Kate’s Home Cooking was a luncheonette on 2355 8th Avenue (corner of West 126th Street) as one can see in the window sign of the album. Lore has it that because it was on the street closest to the back entrance of the Apollo Theater, all the bands used to drop by Kate’s after performing each night. The Unity Chapel which the same sign references is still their this daydivbut the charming eatery has long since been closed. The now defunct Harlem Fragrance (lower photo) had most recently inhabited the space and maybe someone today can come in and revive this central Harlem favorite. Thanks also to Bespoke reader Jamal on the fantastic tip./divdiv class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2048034911181517049-9154310650644745070?l=harlembespoke.blogspot.com’//div