Two weeks ago, the National Urban League proudly opened its doors to its new headquarters at 121 West 125th Street in Harlem,
The event is marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history.
The impressive 414,000-square-foot project, developed on state land, encompasses a vibrant mix of affordable apartments, retail spaces, and offices.
“This project is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about making a statement,” remarked Marc Morial, the organization’s president and CEO. “We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to transformative change and show that we can accomplish something truly historic and exceptional.”
The mixed-use complex, developed by The Prusik Group, BRP Companies, L+M Development Partners, and Taconic Partners, features a six-story retail and office podium along 125th Street, anchored by prominent brands like Target, Trader Joe’s, and Sephora. Additionally, a striking 17-story residential tower graces the north side facing 126th Street, offering 177 apartments catering to a range of income levels.
Notably, the headquarters will house an urban civil rights museum, a pioneering endeavor that aims to educate and inspire visitors about the rich history of civil rights movements in the United States.
From the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Harlem Renaissance, and from the Great Migration to the contemporary Black Lives Matter movement, the museum will chronicle pivotal moments with immersive exhibitions and thoughtful design elements.
Visitors can expect to step into meticulously recreated environments, such as a 1920s apartment for the Harlem Renaissance gallery, complete with period-specific details like intricate moldings and built-in bookshelves. Meanwhile, the modern office spaces will pay homage to civil rights history, featuring striking visuals of historic protests and contemporary activism.
With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, sleek conference rooms, and nods to its iconic red logo, the headquarters embodies the National Urban League’s forward-thinking ethos. As construction continues on the office and museum sections, the organization anticipates completing this transformative project by the spring of 2025, further solidifying its role as a catalyst for progress in Harlem and beyond.
Photo credit: BRP Companies.
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