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City Living: Manhattanville

By Magdalene Perez | Special to amNewYork

August 22, 2007

Bike path along the Hudson River at 124th Street (Photo by Jefferson Siegel / August 22, 2007)

As fast as the pace of change is in New York, perhaps no other part of the city is seeing transformation as rapidly as Manhattanville, a post-industrial neighborhood sandwiched between Columbia University and the upper reaches of Harlem's west side. Once a busy Hudson River port, today the old warehouses and rusted viaducts are being replaced by apartments, restaurants and -- most significantly -- Columbia University's planned 17-acre expansion.

Fearing the threat of eminent domain, longtime black and Hispanic residents have taken issue with Columbia's plan to build dorms, classrooms and common areas in this riverside neighborhood. But others, already used to the mix of students from both Columbia and the CUNY's City College, are more welcoming of the change.

"It's good for the barrio," said Jose Perez, 29, a Manhattanville resident for 10 years. "Because the community will grow."

Perez, among other neighbors, predicted that the continued influx of young residents could be what this long-depressed neighborhood needs to finally drive out what's left of delinquency and drugs. In other parts of the neighborhood, the signs of gentrification and renewal can already be seen: West Harlem Piers between 125th and 132nd streets, once nicknamed "viaduct valley," recently underwent a major facelift and now provides green space for running and cycling.

Meanwhile, Columbia has tried to soothe the neighborhood's jitters, promising not to use eminent domain to push out locals without compensation. If the school's proposed rezoning plan -- backed by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer -- is approved, half the controversial project will be finished by 2015.

Real Estate

There are plenty of rentals in Manhattanville, many priced cheaply because of rent control or income caps, but no matter where you rent in the area, don't expect to stay much longer than two or three years. By that time, Columbia plans to raze most of the area for new development. For now, expect one-bedrooms to start at about $1,700 and two-bedrooms to range from $2,200 to $3,000, depending on quality, said Matt D. Friedman, a real estate dealer for Halstead Property.

But while the rental market remains heated, buyers who want to plop down money for a mortgage when Columbia is expected to displace residents in a few years are fewer and farther between.

"Most people are staying away from that area right now because of what's going on," Friedman said. "I would say that it's an area that you would want to rent instead of buy."

Hunting for an apartment within Manhattanville boundaries can take some digging. But look on the outskirts -- south near Morningside Heights or North near Hamilton Heights -- and you may just uncover a diamond in the rough.

To Rent

Hudson River view studio with security and on-site laundromat: $1,177

One-bedroom covering a whole floor in West 132nd Street brownstone: $1,700

Three-bedroom, one-bath with dining room and skylights on top floor at West 123rd Street: $3,300

To Buy

One-bedroom, one-and-half bath in renovated elevator building at 307 W. 126th St.: $496,186

One-bedroom, two-bathroom in new 122nd Street condo: $950,000

Five-room apartment with two bedrooms, one bath on West 122nd Street: $500,000

Two-bedroom, one-bathroom co-op on West 122nd Street near Amsterdam, 1,000 square-feet: $799,000

Eight-room apartment with four bedrooms and two baths at 501 W. 122nd St.:$1,065,800