Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Harlem YMCA

New York City Designated Landmark

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 2, 2021

1. Harlem YMCA Marker

Inscription. The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Building, 135th Street Branch, opened in 1933 as the largest such facility for African-American men and boys. At the time of its completion, it was one of the country's best equipped YMCA buildings. This branch was built from plans prepared by the architectural bureau of the National Council of the YMCA. Architect James C. Mackenzie, Jr. designed and supervised the construction. Clad in brick with Neo-Georgian style details, the eleven-story YMCA is c-shaped in plan above a four-story base. The building has setbacks and is dominated by a tower that continues to be a major presence on the Harlem skyline. Renamed the Harlem YMCA, this facility serves as one of Harlem's most important recreational and cultural centers with close ties to many notable figures in the Harlem and African-American communities.

Erected 1999 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 40° 48.891′ N, 73° 56.574′ W.

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Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. It is on West 135th Street east of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 180 West 135th Street, New York NY 10030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Scott Joplin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Romare H. Bearden (approx. 0.2 miles away); Zora Neale Hurston (approx. 0.2 miles away); Howard Bennett Playground (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mr. Marcus Garvey (approx. ¼ mile away); Langston Hughes Playground (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Godfrey Nurse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Savoy Ballroom (approx. 0.3 miles

Harlem YMCA Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 2, 2021

2. Harlem YMCA Marker - wide view

The marker is visible on the left.

away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Also see . . . Harlem YMCA (Wikipedia). "The Harlem YMCA, intended primarily for the use of African-American men at a time when most YMCAs were for whites only, was one of the best equipped YMCAs in the United States. Its upper floors were designed for use as residences, whose occupants include a number of prominent personalities.... African-American author Maria Celeste lived in the building from 1941 through 1946, Bill Clinton is a current member.... many notable black Americans have stayed at the facility, including Malcolm X – then Malcolm Little – who chose to stay there because of its proximity to his favorite nightclubs. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 for its association with the African-American writer Claude McKay (1889-1948), a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance who was resident here from 1941 until 1946." (Submitted on May 4, 2021.)

Harlem YMCA building, looking east along West 135th Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 2, 2021

3. Harlem YMCA building, looking east along West 135th Street

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 946 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 4, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.