Harlem’s One45: A Battle Over Land, Legacy, and the Soul of a Neighborhood
Harlem’s One45: A Battle Over Land, Legacy, and the Soul of a Neighborhood
What happens when “development” doesn’t include the people it claims to serve?
In Harlem, at the intersection of West 145th Street and Lenox Avenue, a high-profile development has stirred deep controversy. The One45 project, proposed by developer Bruce Teitelbaum, aimed to bring nearly 1,000 new residential units, retail space, and a civil rights museum to the neighborhood.
But what began as a promise of revitalization has turned into a powerful symbol of displacement, gentrification, and the fight for Harlem’s cultural identity.
“This isn’t development for Harlem—it’s development for people who are coming in.”
From the outset, One45 drew sharp criticism.
"This isn’t development for Harlem—it’s development for people who are coming in, not for the people who have been here," said Tamika Johnson, a longtime Harlem resident and housing advocate.
“We are not against housing. We are against being pushed out of our own community in the name of ‘affordable’ units that aren’t really affordable to us.”
The project originally proposed 968 apartments, with only 291 designated as “affordable.” But the term affordable was based on Area Median Income (AMI) figures that didn’t reflect the actual income levels of Harlem’s working-class and lower-income families.
Council Opposition and Community Pushback
Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan, who represents Harlem, quickly opposed the project:
“The affordability levels proposed don’t reflect the needs of Harlem residents. A majority of our people are making less than $50,000 a year, and the project was proposing units for people making upwards of $100,000. That’s not equity—that’s exclusion.”
In 2022, Community Board 10 unanimously rejected the proposal, citing a lack of meaningful affordability and cultural sensitivity.
Raymond McGuire, a board member, summed it up:
“We are stewards of Harlem’s soul. If we allow luxury towers to rise without deep, meaningful affordability and community ownership, we become complicit in cultural erasure. Our culture is not for sale.”
Al Sharpton, the Civil Rights Museum, and the Turning Point
A key element of the original plan was a 48,000-square-foot Museum of Civil Rights, backed by Rev. Al Sharpton and former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. The museum aimed to highlight civil rights struggles in the northern U.S.—a cultural and educational landmark for the community.
But in May 2022, Sharpton pulled out of the project.
“We heard what the people were saying,” Sharpton said. “They want housing that they can afford. They want respect. We will not be part of something that does not center the needs of Harlem’s people.”
His withdrawal marked a major turning point. Without the museum as a cultural anchor, the project’s credibility took a hit.
Revisions, Rebranding, and Resistance
Since the museum's withdrawal, Teitelbaum has revised the development proposal several times. The latest plan includes:
- More affordable housing units
- A potential partnership with a nonprofit affordable housing developer
- Increased community space
- Commitments to union labor
In February 2025, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine expressed cautious support:
“We need new housing, yes. But we must build it the right way—with community input, labor standards, and deep affordability.”
But Harlem residents remain wary.
“As a kid, I used to walk down 145th and feel like everyone knew my name,” said Elder Jerome Martin, a 60-year resident. “Now, I walk down and feel like a stranger. They’re building coffee shops and wine bars where the beauty salons and jazz clubs used to be. Harlem is losing its rhythm.”
The Pulse of a Changing Harlem
The One45 saga is more than a development story—it’s a reflection of a neighborhood at a crossroads.
Malik, a Columbia student and local volunteer, described the tension well:
“There’s a deep tension here. On one hand, people want investment. On the other, they fear what it means when investment doesn’t include them. The One45 project is ground zero for that fight.”
Olivia Brooks, a community organizer, added:
“We’re not against growth. We’re against being erased. We’re saying: build with us, not over us.”
What Happens Next?
As of April 2025, the fate of One45 is still undecided. The revised proposal is under review, but community voices continue to ring out, demanding a Harlem that’s equitable, respectful, and rooted in history.
“We’re not silent,” said Tamika Johnson. “This is our home, and we’re not letting it go without a fight.”
Got thoughts on Harlem’s future?
Share your perspective in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation grounded, respectful, and full of love for one of NYC’s most storied communities.
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