Mixed Bagel

One of the more interesting real estate trends here in Harlem is the proliferation of “mixed-use” developments. Trying to make good on its ambitious plan to create more affordable housing in the area, the city is removing the stigma often associated with low-income developments by attracting a larger percentage of individuals with higher incomes into these new uptown residences.

A case in point: The Kalahari. The 250 condominium units – complete with doorman, internet access and gym – will range in price to serve a mix of incomes. According to the New York City Housing Development Corporation, the annual median income for a family of four is currently $62,800-dollars. The Kalahari will designate 20 percent of the units to low-income buyers, 30 percent to moderate-income buyers and the remaining 50 percent of units will be sold at market rate. Construction on the Kalahari is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

In years past, the percentage of affordable housing in some individual developments had a larger volume of low to moderate-income units – some as high as 80 percent. While the city continues to help fund these types of developments, large-scale buildings like the Kalahari are part of a trend to incorporate a broader range of resident.

As prices in the area continue to rise, are these mixed-use developments Harlem's best shot at a diverse class structure or is the changing face of the neighborhood now reflected in the way its affordable housing is being split?