Douglass Houses

The Frederick Douglas Houses (Credit: Andrea Park)

Name: Frederick Douglass Houses

Location: 825 Columbus Ave., 840 Columbus Ave., 868 Amsterdam Ave.

Population: 4814

Number of residential buildings: 18 (including Douglass Addition)

Year Established: 1958. Frederick Douglass Additions were built in 1965.

The development is located in the Manhattan Valley, an area originally occupied by Irish immigrants during the 1880s, which is now a diverse community that is becoming increasingly gentrified. The houses are named after Fredrick Douglass, who began his life as a slave. Douglass moved to New England after escaping slavery in 1938 and worked as an abolitionist and advocate for social reform. Famous residents include Mekhi Phifer, who has held major roles in television shows such as ER and Curb your Enthusiasm, and in movies like Dawn of the Dead and 8 mile. Mario Elie is another notable resident. He is a former professional basketball player and coach who was part of the Houston Rockets in the early nineties when they won the NBA Championship. The development is in close proximity to Central Park and Riverside Park on the west side of Manhattan.

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Douglass Houses are covered by Annie Claire Bergeron-Oliver.

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