History and architecture
The 17 East 128th Street House is one of a few surviving frame houses in Harlem which date from the period in the city's history when Harlem was still a rural village and not legally part of the City of New York. Constructed circa 1864, this house was once one of many similarly styled framed houses that were built in Harlem at roughly that same time, particularly between 110th Street and 130th Street. Although its architect is unknown, the house exemplifies a pleasing synthesis of Second Empire and Itallanate elements. Among its more prominent features are a polychromatic, slate covered, mansard roof and a covered porch which runs the width of the facade at the parlor floor level. The 17 East 128th Street House derives its significance primarily from the fact that it has managed to survive, remarkably intact, until today.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.