Self Guided Tour of the Grand Concourse using The Bronx Walk of Fame App

The Bronx Walk of Fame app was created in 2025 to recognize the legacies of our honorees and honor the history of The Bronx. The Bronx Economic Development Corporation and The Bronx Tourism Council recognizes Hubspire, the Department of the State, The Department of Transportation, and Painted Pieces for their support.

Introduction: The Grand Concourse: A Historic Renewal

Originally called the Grand Boulevard, the Grand Concourse is a 5-mile boulevard starting from East 138th Street to Mosholu Parkway, it features one of the largest collections of Art Deco and Art Moderne apartment buildings in New York City, second to Miami Beach.

It was envisioned in 1891 by Louis Aloys Risse, a French immigrant and chief engineer for New York City’s newly formed Department of Public Parks. Appointed by the department’s first commissioner, Louis J. Heintz, honored with a sculpture in Joyce Kilmer Park, Risse aimed to create a grand link between Manhattan’s park system and then rural Bronx.

Construction on the Concourse began in 1897 and was completed in 1909, highlighting a central speedway for vehicles, bicycle paths, and wide sidewalks.In 1924, the southern portion was extended from East 161st Street to East 138th Street, connecting directly to Manhattan.

In 2011, a portion of this grand boulevard was designated the Grand Concourse Historic District. This district includes 78 properties between East 153rd and 167th Streets, consisting of 61 apartment buildings (built between 1917 and 1959), two parks, and notable public institutions like the Bronx County Courthouse and the Andrew Freedman Home, both recognized as individual New York City landmarks.

Renowned today for its Art Deco architecture, community life, and rich cultural history, the Grand Concourse stands as a symbol of The Bronx’s enduring resilience, grit and cultural evolution.

‍Tour starts: At 250 Grand Concourse
138th Street North East-Walking on the Grand Concourse, North

Download the Bronx Walk of Fame app to read about the following honorees

‍Bobby Sanabria is an accomplished American drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator, known for his immense contributions to the world of Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban music.

‍Angela Bofill is a renowned American singer-songwriter who made contributions to the world of R&B and jazz music.

‍Dave Valentin was an influential American flutist and composer known for his contributions to Latin jazz and his flute playing. Dave Valentin was often hailed as the “Pied Piper of The Bronx”.

‍Dion DiMucci, known as Dion, is a singer-songwriter who played a key role in rock and roll music. Dion first rose to fame as the lead singer of the vocal group Dion and the Belmonts.

‍John Benitez, also known as "Jellybean," is an influential American DJ, music producer, and remixer who has made contributions to the world of dance music.

In 1960, The Chiffons began as a trio of schoolmates at James Monroe High School in The Bronx. Known for their harmonious vocals, melodies, and performances, they became one of the most successful female groups of their time.

‍Tony Orlando is an American singer, songwriter, and entertainer who rose to fame with his captivating stage presence.

‍Aventura was formed in 1993 in The Bronx, and rose to fame in the early 2000s, becoming one of the most successful Latin music groups in the world.

Iconic “Beyond the Sea” singer Bobby Darin grew up in Mott Haven, a singer, songwriter, and actor who achieved widespread success and acclaim during the 1950s and 1960s.

‍Charles Fox is an American composer and songwriter known for his extensive contributions to the world of music, film, and television. He is best known for co-writing the theme song "Happy Days."

‍Willie Colón is a renowned Puerto Rican musician, composer, and bandleader known for his significant contributions to salsa music. Colón has played a pivotal role in shaping salsa music throughout his career.

‍GrandWizzard Theodore is a legendary DJ and turntablist who played a pivotal role in the development of hip-hop music and the art of scratching. His innovative techniques and contributions have made him an iconic figure in the history of DJ culture.

149th Street South West - Heading South on the Grand Concourse

‍Jimmy Sabater was a highly influential musician, singer, and composer in the Latin music scene. Known for his soulful voice, charismatic stage presence, and contributions to the development of latin boogaloo and salsa music, Sabater left a lasting impact on the genre and remains a revered figure among Latin music.

‍Jerry Vale was an acclaimed Italian American singer known for his smooth vocal style and romantic ballads. With his distinctive voice and heartfelt interpretations, Vale captivated the audience and became one of the most beloved singers of his time.

‍Irene Cara was a multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress and female empowerment symbol who rose to prominence during the 1980s. Hailing from The Bronx, she attended St. Anselm School, the Professional Children's School and High School of the Performing Arts.

‍Charlie Palmieri was an icon in Latin Music who originally found his calling by teaching himself how to play the piano. At age seven, Charlie was enrolled at The Julliard School and by the time he was 14, he was an award-winning pianist.

‍Eddie Palmieri was a legendary figure in the world of Latin jazz and salsa music. With a career spanning over six decades, Palmieri made significant contributions as a pianist, band leader, composer, and arranger.

‍Frederick Crute — better known as Kool DJ Red Alert — rose to fame on WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM, and is recognized as one of the founding fathers of hip-hop music and culture. He began to form his footprint in The Bronx after he graduated from DeWitt Clinton.

‍Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is a highly well known rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. Joe grew up immersed in the vibrant hip-hop culture that surrounded him, eventually making a name for himself as one of the most influential figures in the rap industry.

‍Grandmaster Caz is a legendary figure in the history of hip-hop and an influential pioneer in the art of DJing and rapping. As a key member of the Cold Crush Brothers, Caz played a key role in shaping the early foundations of hip-hop culture.

‍Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five was a pioneering hip-hop group formed in the South Bronx in the late 1970s. The group consisted of Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler) and five talented emcees: Melle Mel (Melvin Glover), Kidd Creole (Nathaniel Glover), Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams), Cowboy (Keith Wiggins), and Scorpio (Eddie Morris). Led by the innovative DJ techniques of Grandmaster Flash, the group became known for their contributions to turntablism and their socially conscious lyrics.

‍Valerie Simpson is an influential American singer, songwriter, and performer who has made an indelible mark on the music industry.

‍Valeria Capers is a remarkable American jazz pianist and educator who has overcome significant challenges to become a renowned figure in the world of music. Capers showed an extraordinary talent for music from an early age, growing up in a family deeply rooted in music.

‍The Chantels formed in the early 1950s by school friends from St. Anthony of Padua in The Bronx. The Chantels were among the first African-American girl groups to achieve national success.

‍Yomo Toro was a revered Puerto Rican musician and virtuoso of the cuatro, a traditional Puerto Rican stringed instrument. Toro became a global ambassador for Puerto Rican music, particularly the folk genre known as música jíbara.

Self guided tour begins:
149th Street Grand Concourse starting at 500 Grand Concourse walking north

1) 500 Grand Concourse, Hostos Community College was formed April 22nd, 1968 by the Board of Higher Education, in response to the Puerto Rican and Latino leaders who wanted to create a college to meet the current needs of the South Bronx. Hostos became the first college in the U.S. named after a Puerto Rican; Eugenio María de Hostos, a 19th-century educator, writer, lawyer, sociologist and a champion for inclusiveness. Hostos is part of CUNY and its mission is academic excellence, community empowerment, and access to higher education, especially for underrepresented populations. Hostos Community College has a theater and a gallery for community events, concerts, and art exhibits.

2) 560 Grand Concourse, The Bronx General Post Office: a landmark, was built in 1935 as a part of the New Deal public works program. It was designed by Thomas Harlan Ellett, and is known for its impressive architectural design and 13 murals by Ben Shahn and Bernarda Bryson depicting "Resources of America" On the exterior wall, flanking the entrance, are two limestone sculptures by Charles Rudy and Henry Kreis. On the left, as one faces the building, is “Noah” by Rudy; on the right, “The Letter” by Kreis. The building, initially called the Bronx Central Annex, became the Bronx General Post Office in 1963. In 2014, the USPS sold the building to Youngwoo and Associates for 14 million dollars, and in 2025, it was sold to MADDD Equities for 44 million dollars.

3) 650 Grand Concourse, Cardinal Hayes High School: Cardinal Hayes High School was established in 1941, the school was founded with a visionary goal to provide high school-aged boys, primarily for immigrant families to give access to a superior education for the youth. Cardinal Hayes has remained in The Bronx with resilience and integrity to the profound social, demographic, and economic transformations that have shaped the community and the lives of thousands of young people. In May 2025, Principal William Lessa retired after 53 years, becoming one the longest serving educators in this school.

4) Franz Sigel Park: The land for this 16-acre park was acquired from the Walton family in 1885. Briefly known as Cedar Park, it was renamed for Sigel, who was an educator who immigrated to the United States from Germany in the early 1850s, he served in the American Civil War, in 1902. Sigel, who died that year, was also honored by an equestrian statue in 106th Street and Riverside Park.

5) 670 Grand Concourse, The New Roots Community Farm: The New Roots Community Farm offers services to refugees, asylees, and immigrant communities in addition to local South Bronx residents interested in tending their own garden beds. This farm is part of the IRC’s national New Roots program that includes 15 farms across the country.

6) 700 Grand Concourse: this commercial building was built in 1923, originally serving as a Morgan Laundry until it became a factory, which manufactured plastic parts for products. Then, it became a Bed City Showroom, and later, an Express Furniture Warehouse. Rana Live Poultry has been on this site since the 90’s.

7) 730 Grand Concourse: a six story Art Deco building constructed in 1939, the building was designed and built by Jacob Felson, a Russian-born immigrant, who also designed other buildings along the Grand Concourse and in Manhattan. He was known for his decorative brickwork and rounded corner details.

8) 740 Grand Concourse: This building was also built by Jacob Felson in 1939, and was originally used as a six story Art Deco apartment building.

9) 750 Grand Concourse: This site is a six story, Art Deco building constructed in 1937 by Felson..

10) 760 Grand Concourse: This Neo-Renaissance style building was constructed in 1927 by Felson.

11) 800 Grand Concourse: The architect of the apartment building Hyman I. Feldman was built in 1955. This co-op building has a doorman and Studio V Architecture recently remodeled the beautiful lobby.

12) 840 Grand Concourse: Thomas Garden Apartments was designed in 1926 by Andrew Thomas. Credited as the innovator of the garden apartment, Thomas also designed the garden apartments in Jackson Heights, Queens when John D. Rockefeller hired him to design the Thomas Garden.

13) 851 Grand Concourse, The Bronx County Courthouse: Constructed between 1931 and 1934, the Courthouse was the work of architects Max Hausle and Joseph H. Freedlander, in collaboration with noted sculptors and artisans. The Bronx County Courthouse was designed in a style which combines boldly modern massing with neo-classic elements.

14) 860 Grand Concourse, designed by Charles Kremborg, this is another great Art Deco building on the Grand Concourse.

15) 888 Grand Concourse: Emery Roth, one of New York City’s most renowned apartment house architects, is credited with the design of the striking Art Deco-style apartment house. Roth was responsible for other landmark apartment buildings, including the San Remo and Eldorado on Central Park West in Manhattan.

16) 900 Grand Concourse: The Concourse Plaza Hotel was built in 1923, the same year the old Yankee Stadium opened. Designed in the Colonial Revival style by Maynicke & Franke, this once iconic hotel hosted numerous events and multiple generations of Yankee players. Many candidates stopped here, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. The banquet rooms hosted business luncheons, wedding receptions and bar mitzvahs. Tito Puente, the mambo musician, and his band regularly performed at the Concourse Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom. Following a period of decline during the 1960s and 1970s, the hotel became an emergency shelter for families who were displaced by the fires in the South Bronx, in 1974 the City acquired the property to become a senior home. Since 1982 it's been run by The Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council, a non-profit organization that operates the building.

17) Joyce Kilmer Park: Joyce Kilmer Park contains two prominent sculptural features: a white marble fountain dedicated to the romantic German poet Heinrich Heine (Ernest Herter, 1899) which was part of the Adopt-A-Monument program from 1999 with the Municipal Art Society and a bronze statue of Louis J. Heintz (Pierre Fietu, 1905), who as the borough’s first commissioner of street improvements conceived this “grand boulevard” in the early 1890s. Acquired by the parks department in 1924, the nearly sevenacre park was renamed for the poet, soldier and journalist Joyce Kilmer in 1926. Famous for his 1913 poem “Trees,” Kilmer perished while serving in France during World War I.

18) 910 Grand Concourse: This is an Art Deco building, built in 1937. It is known for its attractive design, pre-war features like sunken living rooms and herringbone hardwood floors. The building was designed by Israel L. Crausman.

19) 930 Grand Concourse, formerly known as The Ashley, a residential building.It was built from 1944 to 1948 and designed by H. Herbert Lilien.

20) 940 and 960 Grand Concourse, Concourse Gardens North and South: these two nearly identical, six story apartment buildings were designed by Springsteen & Goldhammer in 1927. Residents enter through modestly-landscaped courtyards. Designed in the Mediterranean Revival style with simple neo-classical details, these buildings are typical of the kinds of historicist structures erected along the Concourse (and throughout The Bronx) before the Art Deco style gained popularity.

21) 1000 Grand Concourse: a ten story Art Deco apartment building, this was completed in 1935 and was the first of its kind on the Grand Concourse to exceed six stories. Designed by Sugarman & Berger, it's a notable example of Art Deco architecture, featuring beige brick, cast stone entrance surrounds, and contrasting brickwork along the spandrels and roofline.

22) 1015 Grand Concourse in The Bronx is a 6-story co-op apartment building with 61 units, it was designed by Herbert H. Lillien and built in 1941.

23) 1020 Grand Concourse Executive Towers: Designed in the early 60’s in Modern style by Philip Birnbaum, who built an estimated 300 apartment buildings during his career, the Executive Towers complex was “the first luxury skyscraper in The Bronx.” More than twenty-stories tall, this glazed white brick tower features a rather grand entrance pavilion with a semi-circular driveway and a saw-tooth roof embellished with gold mosaics and blue fleur-de-lys. Flanking the entrance are monumental gilded figures, one male and the other female, that recall the work of the American sculptor Paul Manship and the heroic neoclassicism popularized by the 1939-40 World’s Fair in New York.

24) 1040 Grand Concourse, The Bronx Museum: Established in 1971, the Bronx Museum of the Arts was originally located in the rotunda of the Bronx County Building. It moved to 165th Street, which is formerly the Young Israel Synagogue (Simon B. Zelnik, 1961), in 1985. Following construction of a modest corner lobby in 1988, a major addition by the firm Arquitectonica, featuring an irregular fan-fold facade of aluminum and glass, opened in 2006. The south wing of the Bronx Museum is currently being remodeled and will be completed in 2026. It will include a café, which is being created with help from the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC).

25) 1100 Grand Concourse: Gronenberg & Leuchtag designed this pre war Art Deco apartment building, which was built in 1928. It was initially named the John Ericsson Building.

26) 1118 Grand Concourse, Bronx Housing Court: Opposite the Andrew Freedman Home stand two dissimilar but nonetheless monumental institutional structures. On the right is the Bronx Housing Court, built in the 1990s by the Uruguayan-architect Rafael Vinoly. Clad with gray sandstone and matching brick, the structure’s lower volume contains 13 courtrooms, while the glazed upper floors are marked by a distinctive wedge-like window that illuminates the court’s law library. Vinoly’s firm also designed the widely-discussed Bronx County Hall of Justice (2007) on East 161st Street, between Sherman and Morris Avenues. Vinoly also designed the famous pencil building on 432 Park Avenue.

27) 1125 Grand Concourse, the Andrew Freedman Home: Built for the affluent elderly, this palazzolike building was financed with a bequest from businessman Andrew Freedman, former owner of the New York Giants baseball team. Nearly four hundred feet long, it was built in two stages during 1922-24 and 1928-30. Designed by Joseph H. Freedlander, who also worked on the Bronx County Building and the Museum of the City of New York, and Harry Allan Jacobs, the Freedman Home once housed as many as 130 men and women who lived here at no charge. The facility closed by 1983 when funding ran out, and it was designated as a New York City Landmark in 1992. Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council, a non-profit organization, operates the building and it serves various community functions.

28) 1130 Grand Concourse, Bronxworks: This site is currently BronxWorks, a social service nonprofit organization, and was the former home of the Bronx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This Classical Revival style building was erected by the architects Raldris & LaVelle in 1926. It has an elaborate double staircase that provides entry to the lower floors. It was sold to the Girls Club of New York in 1980.

29) 1150 Grand Concourse: This building is an Art Deco beauty, designed by Horace Ginsbern and Marvin Fine. This landmark gets its name from the aquarium motif mosaic at the main entry. The inspiration for the fish mural is just one of the many mysteries behind some of the Bronx’s most iconic buildings in New York City.

30) 1166 Grand Concourse: This Art Deco building designed by architect Jacob M. Felson was completed in 1938. The building reflects the Art Deco style popular in the Bronx during the 1930s, characterized by sleek lines and geometric ornamentation.

Download the Bronx Walk of Fame app to read about the following honorees

167th Street North East-Walking on the Grand Concourse Heading North

Colin Powell was an American statesman and military leader who made significant contributions to both the military and political realms.

‍Alfredo Thiebaud, affectionately known as Don Alfredo, was a humble immigrant from Honduras who lived in the South Bronx. Don Alfredo was known as the "Icy King," building the pushcart business into a citywide empire over the last 40 years.

‍Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, author, and science communicator who has played a pivotal role in making scientific knowledge accessible and engaging for the masses.

‍Manny Villafana is a renowned American entrepreneur and medical innovator who has made significant contributions to the field of medical technology.

‍Karola Ruth Westheimer, better known as Dr. Ruth, is a German American sex therapist, talk show host, author, professor, and Holocaust survivor.

‍John Patrick Shanley is an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter, and director. Known for his compelling storytelling, sharp dialogue, and exploration of complex human relationships, Shanley has made a significant impact on the world of theater and film.

‍God-is Rivera is a strategic executive responsible for better serving and engaging diverse communities through digital channels worldwide via brand marketing, campaigns with partners, and events and experiences.

‍Manny Azenberg is a prominent American theatrical producer who has left an indelible mark on the Broadway landscape.

‍Sol Negrin ASC (American Society of Cinematographers) was a highly regarded cinematographer known for his exceptional skills behind the camera.S

Stanley Kubrick was an influential American filmmaker and photographer for LOOK Magazine. He mastered the skills of framing, composing, and lighting compelling images. His experiences at the magazine also offered him opportunities to explore a range of artistic styles.

‍Eduardo Vilaro is a renowned choreographer, artistic director, and dance educator who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary dance. Vilaro's career took off when he joined the prestigious Ballet Hispánico, a New York-based dance company dedicated to celebrating Hispanic culture through dance.

171st Street South West – Walking on the Grand Concourse Heading South

‍Eif Rivera is a highly acclaimed music video director known for his visually stunning and innovative work. Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, Rivera developed a passion for filmmaking at a young age.

‍Peter Sohn is a highly talented American animator, director, voice actor, and storyboard artist. Sohn has made significant contributions to the world of animation, working on several notable films and projects.

‍Joe Conzo Jr. is a renowned photographer and author who played a pivotal role in documenting the birth and evolution of hip-hop culture. His photographs captured the energy, creativity, and raw essence of the burgeoning movement, leaving an indelible mark on both the music and visual arts industries.

‍Luis Eladio Torres is a Bronx-based educator who spent his childhood in the Soundview section and has lived in the Bronx all his life.

‍Carolyn Porco is an accomplished American planetary scientist and science communicator, known for her groundbreaking work in the field of planetary exploration and her efforts to popularize science and astronomy.

‍Daniel Libeskind is a world-renowned Polish-American architect, artist, and designer, celebrated for his avant-garde and visionary architectural designs. Daniel lived in the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative in the northwest Bronx, a union-sponsored, middle-income cooperative development.

‍Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan (UHP), a network of community health centers located in the South Bronx, Central Harlem, and Northwestern Queens.

‍Herman Badillo was a trailblazing figure in American politics, known for his advocacy for civil rights, education reform, and his groundbreaking achievements as a public servant. As the first Puerto Rican-born member of the United States Congress, Badillo's career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.

‍Robert Abrams is an American lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of New York from 1979 to 1994. He also served as Bronx Borough President.

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