Strivers' Row is well worth seeing

My camera phone does not do these great buildings justice.

Located on 138th and 139th Streets between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglas (that's 7th and 8th Avenues for those of you unfamiliar with Harlem) Strivers' Row remains a beautiful example of late 19th Century architecture, as well as a vital part of the community's history.

Served by private rear alleys (note the "Walk your horses" sign) these rowhouses are not brownstones, but are instead mostly faced with the smooth brick which you'll also find on Park Slope homes from the same era. If you want to see Harlem brownstones there are plenty of other blocks, mostly further south, which offer great examples of Neo-Grec, Queen Anne and other late 19th Century styles.