Manhattan · Neighborhood guide
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill?s residential streets rise beside Jackie Robinson Park. The Bailey House, historic district blocks and the park?s 1930s play center offer distinct views of the neighborhood?s architecture and public space.
Beyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized.
About Sugar Hill
The Landmarks Preservation Commission describes the elevated residential area west of the park becoming known as Sugar Hill as African Americans moved into the area after 1920. Several historic districts cover parts of these streets; their boundaries are different from this guide?s approximate neighborhood outline.
The city acquired the hillside parkland in the 1890s. Its play center, including the pool and bathhouse, was part of a 1930s public works program. The bathhouse?s two-level design responds to the steep change in elevation between Edgecombe and Bradhurst avenues.
Places to explore
Jackie Robinson Park and Play Center
Edgecombe and Bradhurst avenues, West 145th to West 155th streetsThe park occupies a long hillside. Its 1936 pool complex includes a bathhouse with arched bays and rounded towers; the landmark site also includes paths and a bandshell. Check seasonal pool and facility information before visiting.
Bailey House
10 St. Nicholas Place at West 150th StreetBuilt in 1886?88 for circus partner James Anthony Bailey, the stone house has a corner tower, arched windows and Romanesque Revival details. It is an exterior architectural stop; use the public sidewalk.
Read the NYFE place guideHamilton Heights/Sugar Hill historic streets
Convent and Edgecombe avenues around West 145th?147th streetsThe designated district includes residential blocks in this part of Sugar Hill. Compare buildings from the sidewalk and respect private entrances; the landmark district has its own legal boundary.
Planning a visit
Use the 145 St subway stations as arrival points and check MTA service changes before setting out. The park follows a slope, so choose an entrance and route suited to your needs.
The parent guide also identifies Sugar Hill Children?s Museum of Art & Storytelling as a nearby family destination. Its public access can depend on special programs; consult the museum before going. Its West 155th Street location sits at the edge of the parent outline and is not mapped here as an interior stop.
Photos
CmdrDan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized.
Jim.henderson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized.
Epicgenius · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized.
Sources and visitor information
- Jackie Robinson Play Center designation report, LP-2238NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Hamilton Heights/Sugar Hill Historic DistrictNYC Council / Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Bailey Residence designation report, LP-0845NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Subway map and neighborhood mapMetropolitan Transportation Authority
- Planned service changesMetropolitan Transportation Authority
- Our story and visiting updatesSugar Hill Children?s Museum of Art & Storytelling