The property is located on a corner lot, which typically provides greater visibility and foot traffic from multiple directions . The building’s substantial size and residential density provide a built-in customer base of residents. The functional ground-floor storefront provides a flexible layout suitable for a variety of business types, from retail shops and cafes to fitness studios and wellness centers.
Key Features
- Asking Rent: $8,000 / month
- Available Space: 1,200 SF
- Property Type: Ground-Floor Retail / Commercial Space
- Lease Type: Direct Lease
- Building Class: Elevator Apartment – Semi-Fireproof with Stores
- Year Built: 1972
- Layout: Open, flexible floorplan suitable for retail, dining, or service uses
- Condition: Well-maintained; available for tenant fit-out and customization
- Frontage: Corner location providing good street visibility and high foot traffic
- Access: Direct sidewalk entry
- Neighborhood Highlights: Located in the heart of Central Harlem, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions
Neighborhood Highlights
Located on a tree-lined block between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, 273 West 131st Street places you in the heart of Central Harlem, one of Manhattan’s most culturally significant and rapidly evolving neighborhoods . As the epicenter of the Harlem Renaissance, the area is known for its artistic and musical legacy and is experiencing a new wave of growth.
The neighborhood is thriving, with a mix of renowned restaurants like Babbalucci and Red Rooster, boutique shops like Pompette Wine Shop, and cultural destinations such as the Apollo Theater and the Studio Museum . The nearby 125th Street corridor features major retailers like Whole Foods, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Marshalls, creating a vibrant shopping destination . The area’s dense residential population, combined with growing commercial investment, ensures a steady flow of local customers and visitors .
Transportation is highly convenient, with the 2/3 express trains at 135th Street and the A/C/B/D trains at 145th Street within easy walking distance . Multiple bus routes along Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 125th Street provide seamless connectivity to Midtown, the Bronx, and beyond.
Summary
The 1,200 SF retail storefront at 273 West 131st Street, New York, NY 10027, is available for $8,000 per month under a direct lease. With its versatile layout, prime corner location, and prime Central Harlem address near cultural landmarks and major retailers, this property represents a compelling opportunity for retailers, restaurateurs, and service providers seeking an accessible and community-focused home in one of Manhattan’s most dynamic and historic neighborhoods.
