301 W 118th St Unit 5J

SoHa 118

SoHa 118 is one of the first buildings that tried to capitalize on South Harlem’s controversial newly branded nickname upon its completion in 2008 — even if, as a neighborhood moniker, SoHa never really took hold. Despite that, the 15-story condo, built by GF55 Architects, survived the recession, just as South Harlem has continued to develop and evolve. The nondescript red-brick building is adjacent to traditional brownstones, reflecting how this neighborhood has accommodated a luxury condo boom during the past 20 years while still maintaining its character. SoHa 118 has also maintained its boutique character. “It’s a tight-knit community,” says Compass broker Sandra Gansberg. “During the holidays [residents] bake cookies together and all the kids get together at someone’s apartment.” Gansberg adds that the building also holds a lot of community activities. “It’s a very friendly building,” she notes. “When you walk in you feel welcomed… sometimes that happens and sometimes that certainly does not,” she says about NYC condo buildings. Some of the condo’s 91 units still contain the original finishes, like Brazilian cherry floors and fully equipped kitchens with teak cabinets, black granite counters and black tile floors. Unrenovated en suite bathrooms share a similar color scheme, plus marble floors and dual vanities. Windows are generously proportioned, and some units feature private terraces that are main selling points, like one Gansberg sold featuring 475 square feet of outdoor space. “The terrace was like having your own backyard,” she recalls, adding that some are more desirable than others. “The unit I sold had a north-facing terrace, and according to the sellers, they were deciding between the north-facing terrace and the south-facing terrace when they purchased, and they said they heard from people in the building and the owners [of that unit] that [the south] was just too hot.” While not all residences have terraces, they are equipped with PTAC units and washers and dryers or hookups; an on-site laundry room is another option. Most units are two- and three-bedrooms, including penthouses. An 1,100-square-foot two-bedroom last sold for $1.3 million in 2021, while a three-bedroom apartment with 1,800 square feet and a 450-square-foot terrace is currently asking $2.3 million. The landscaped central courtyard is a welcome amenity as it provides a quiet respite from the nonstop noise of Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Residents also run into each other in the small gym, basic movie room or children’s playroom, where small windows near the ceiling let in natural light. As a full-service condo, a 24/7 door attendant provides security while a live-in super maintains the building. There’s also cold storage for grocery deliveries and a bike room to free up precious apartment space. Beyond that, the amenities show their age considering SoHa 118 is almost 20 years old. For Gansberg, “The people that came to look at that apartment were not really interested in the amenities, because it was all about the terrace.” Beyond amenities, the condo has a tax abatement that is in effect until 2035. SoHa 118 is at the intersection of 118th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, a heavily trafficked corridor that’s abundant with casual restaurants and bars. For more options, 116th Street is a mix of West African shops and everyday needs, while 125th Street is considered Harlem’s nexus for culture, dining and shopping. But residents only have to wander downstairs to grab a coffee from Starbucks or do some food shopping at Lidl. Just across the street, there’s Double Dutch Espresso for the opposite of Starbucks, Mess Hall for cocktails, craft beer and outdoor seating and Des Ambassades for Senegalese dishes. A branch of the famed Levain Bakery is a block away, as is Room 623, a hidden jazz speakeasy. Meanwhile, the iconic Apollo Theater, which has been entertaining crowds since 1934, is a 10-minute walk north along Frederick Douglass. Though nowhere near as old, Melba’s is a nearby neighborhood destination for Southern comfort food in a casual space. Other nearby leisure options include Morningside Park, Marcus Garvey Park and the northern edge of Central Park. Not least, daycares, Whole Foods and Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market, a popular souk-style market for traditional African wares, are all within walking distance. (Coming soon: Both Trader Joe’s and Target have planned openings on 125th Street.) The B and C lines are two blocks south at 116th Street, while a bit more walking reaches the A and D lines as well at 125th Street. Buses run north and south along Frederick Douglass and crosstown along 116th and 125th streets.