Fifth Ave. Comes Uptown

Holland spoke about the remarkable transformation of Harlem over the last few years and his plans to lure entertainers, executives, and upper middle class African Americans back Uptown.

Business News

Harlem has always had a mix of socio-economic classes amongst its predominately African American residents. 

Anyone who thinks Harlem is just another American “ghetto” needs to check the historical facts.  I can speak passionately about this subject because I was raised in Harlem, specifically, Sugar-hill, which holds a number of national landmarks that are within blocks of each other. 

There’s building 409 on 155th and Edgecomb, which was once the residence of Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neal Hurston.  Other historical landmarks were the old Theresa Hotel, The Apollo, The Cotton Club, The Savoy and others. Harlem was most definitely the place to be for all Black New Yorkers during the twenties, and whites who wanted to experience the Renaissance. 

Now, a dynamic entrepreneur and developer wants to recreate Harlem’s tradition of luxury and excellence Uptown—his name is Joseph Holland, and he’s President of Uptown Partners. “As a third generation Harlem resident I am grateful for the new renaissance emerging in Harlem which will return this great community to its glory,” he tells The Black Star News. 

He’s about to complete a 28-story luxury condominium called Fifth on the Park; the property is located on Fifth Avenue between 119th and 120th Streets and will face the historic Mount Morris Park, also known as Marcus Garvey Park. 

Holland spoke about the remarkable transformation of Harlem over the last few years and his plans to lure entertainers, executives, and upper middle class African Americans back Uptown.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Holland devoted the earlier part of his career to working with the homeless in Harlem.  He is cofounder of the Beth-Hark Crisis Center to counsel substance abusers and the Hark Homes, shelter for the homeless. He also partnered with businesses to create employment opportunities for the homeless, leading to the first inner city American Express Travel office and a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream franchise.  Former Governor George Pataki recognized Holland’s important work in the community and appointed him State Housing Commissioner in 1995. 

Fifth On The Park opens in the summer of 2008. It will have a 40-feet elegant art-filled atrium lobby, doorman and concierge services, valet parking and underground garage, a magnificent 55-feet indoor lap swimming pool and fitness center, unobstructed views of the park, terraces and large common indoor and outdoor spaces. 

There are 38 different layouts for the building’s 160 lavish apartments.  Prices range from $356, 200 for a studio and $719, 400 for a two bedroom; then there are three- bedroom duplexes for $1.7 – $2.6 million, and three-bedroom duplexes with terraces ranging from $2.1 -$2.8 million.

Another one of Uptown Partner’s buildings, The Lenox, located on 129th and 130th streets and Lenox Avenue is currently 70% sold.

Holland takes pride in always looking out for the community’s needs even as he builds.
While working on The Lenox, Uptown Partners purchased the vacant lots and worked with The Pentecostal Faith Church. An empty space was transformed into property which will benefit the community.

Both of Holland’s properties will also become home to a Church sanctuary.  A 1,800-seat church will be built within the Fifth On The Park’s complex; it will have a beautiful stained glass design. A new modern church will also be built adjacent from The Lenox.

Holland has had a number of careers. He’s been a Partner in a major law-firm, a motivational speaker, a playwright, a father, and husband. 

 

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