A wave of new buildings and businesses continues to transform Harlem's 125th Street.
Glossy high-rises, like the 28-story Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel that opened last August, have already significantly altered the skyline.
Major retailers set to arrive soon, including Trader Joe's, Sephora and Target, are behind the jaw-dropping changes at street level.
To track the latest shifts, TCU has taken a walk down the iconic thoroughfare between Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
Here are the most notable recent openings, plus what's still on the horizon, from east to west:
2033 Fifth Ave at 125th St
This massive 21-story residential, commercial, and cultural development is set to be the new home of the National Black Theatre, founded in 1968 at the same address. The building had its topping-out ceremony on October 3, 2023.
Theater opening: 2027
17 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
The Cajun-style seafood boil chain now has a location on 125th Street.
Opened: March 2024
Ponty Restaurant
60 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
A third spot from the team behind Ponty Bistro, Renaissance Harlem and Harlem Cafe looks to be opening on the ground floor of a newish rental development, according to work permits posted in the window.
Opening: TBA
66 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
This Guatemalan chain is known for its signature fried chicken served with sides like yuca fries and beans.
Opened: March 2024
100 W 125th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
The fast fashion chain shut the doors to its old location at 125 W 125th Street in August 2023, reopening a few months later across the street right next to the Whole Foods.
Opened: November 2023
121 W 125th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
The glossy future home of the National Urban League will soon welcome a long list of major retailers, including Trader Joe's (here's a peek at the store's finished murals), Target and Sephora. A civil rights museum is also in the works.
Opening: Trader Joe's Harlem is "coming soon!" according to the store's website; Sephora's grand opening is set for July 19; the rest are TBA.
124 W 125th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
The fast-growing chain, originally from Louisiana, is known for its simplified menu focused on chicken fingers, signature Cane's sauce, Texas toast, crinkle fries, cole slaw and drinks.
Opened: February 2024
130 W 125th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
The fast-casual Chinese chain recently opened in a single-story building that was once a Burger King.
Opened: winter 2024
144 W 125th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
The facade is finally complete on the new Studio Museum in Harlem building, designed by architect David Adjaye. Interior work is ongoing.
Opening: TBA
222 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
The British sneaker and sportswear chain recently joined other newcomers like Nike and Snipes on 125th Street.
Opened: December 2023
233 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvds
Decorated with Harlem Renaissance-themed touches, this new 211-room hotel owned by Marriot includes a restaurant and piano bar on the fifth-floor lobby.
Opened: August 2023
233 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvds
Two new flexible performance spaces run by the legendary Apollo Theater are now open in the historic Thomas Lamb-designed Victoria Theater directly under the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel.
Opened: February 2024
248 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvds
Harlem's first licensed cannabis shop, which most of you welcomed, is now open directly across the street from the Apollo.
Opened: October 2023
254 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvds
This rapidly-expanding Nashville-style hot chicken chain—investors include Drake and Samuel L. Jackson—is just down the block from the Chick-fil-A that opened last year.
Opened: March 2024
600 W 125th St and Broadway
Columbia University's new 34-story building will house graduate students and faculty once it's finished. McDonald's is returning to the ground level.
Estimated construction completion: 2024
