Harlem Building With Famed Jazz History Considered For Landmark Status

HARLEM, NY — A Harlem building with legendary ties to jazz music is currently being considered for landmark status.

The Hotel Cecil & Minton's Playhouse building at 206 W. 118th St. was home to the legendary Minton's Playhouse nightclub, which for three decades hosted bands, star headliners, and informal jam sessions.

"It was here (Hotel Cecil) that the pivotal jazz style known as bebop took shape in the 1940s, transforming the history of American music," the Landmarks Preservation Committee wrote. "From this period forward, the hotel attracted many Black musicians as guests, including leading jazz, blues, gospel, and soul performers."

On Tuesday, the Commission voted to calendar the building for landmark consideration, meaning that the address is taking the next step to becoming a landmark.

The Hotel Cecil & Minton's Playhouse building was constructed in 1895, and designed by the architect Julius F. Munckwicz.

It was first operated as a residential hotel, before Minton's Playhouse nightclub opened in the dining room in 1938 or 1939.

The house band played popular songs and accompanied guest singers and soloists, including such notable musicians as Charlie Christian, Roy Eldridge, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Ben
Webster.

After decades of success, the hotel was damaged in a fire in 1974 and Minton's playhouse closed.

It was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and refurbished and and reopened in 1988 as supportive housing for homeless men and women.