Getting Street Smart: CubeSmart Self-Storage Facility on 135th Street in Mott Haven

This is one of a series of articles spotlighting our storage facilities and neighborhoods.

In the southernmost tip of The Bronx along the Harlem River, a cool little neighborhood has been experiencing some major growth and development. Once a gritty industrial mecca, today’s Mott Haven nabe is now known for charming streets lined with brick homes, stylish lofts in renovated warehouses and diverse families.

The Mott Haven of today is almost unrecognizable from what is was just 20 years ago when the Cross Bronx Expressway devastated the area and people packed up to leave. And it wasn’t the only neighborhood. The 70s and 80s were a trying time for many of New York City’s outer boroughs, but with increasing rents and decreasing space in Manhattan and, now Brooklyn, investors have begun to look to The Bronx as the new settlement for singles and families, alike. And what better place to live than a burgeoning neighborhood with cool cosmopolitan features, quick access to the city, and actually affordable living costs?

Historically, this area of the South Bronx was a piano district. Large, affordable spaces made for perfect factories and warehouses, while the proximity to Manhattan made it easy to transport the pianos to pricier retail locations in the city. Known for celebrity clients and the most knowledgeable service in the industry, Beethoven Pianos is one of the last functioning businesses of this time. Its competition has closed or moved away, leaving behind empty warehouses and manufacturing plants ripe for urban development. The Clock Tower building at the corner of Bruckner Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue used to be a piano factory; it has since been converted into high-end apartments and lofts, not different from much of Mott Haven property.

South Bronx Apartments vs. Storage Cost Analysis

Moving to this neighborhood may allow you to escape Manhattan, but, unfortunately, you can’t quite escape those lovely Manhattan rents. In the heart of Mott Haven, a renter could expect 765 square feet at $3,390, while a 1,074 square foot 2-bedroom goes for $5,260.

For that one extra bedroom, you’ll pay an additional $1,870 each month; so, if you’re not making space for a roomie or a new baby, you could save $1,636 a month by renting a 10×10 climate controlled Mott Haven self-storage unit at CubeSmart instead. For $234 a month (as of 7/13/16), a 10×10 climate-controlled storage unit fits the contents of a standard 2-bedroom apartment (keep your Tetris skills fresh). Reminisce about affordable Mott Haven real estate in your cozy little 1-bedroom or stylish loft, and use CubeSmart to store seasonal items, clothing, sporting goods, and more.

*Apartments.com, 7/13/16

Take a tour of this location:

Whichever your reason for storing, our CubeSmart self-storage on 135th Street in Mott Haven offers amenities helpful to any type or size of a move. We accept deliveries of your belongings, offer professional organizer services, and our bilingual manager lives on-site for extra peace of mind beyond our around-the-clock video recording. Skip ZipCar and utilize our free move-in truck to simplify your haul. If you’re facing a complicated move, a Simple Moving Labor (SML) representative right in our store can help you organize the logistics of the move.

Whether you’re a Hostos Community College student officially leaving Mom and Dad’s nest, or you’re a family with just enough space, we oftentimes don’t expect to need additional storage. But when life happens and you’ve run out of space, our CubeSmart team is experienced in taking care of you and your things:

“I needed a storage unit and I needed it quickly. I arrived with a truck full of items and Mel, the Manager, was easily accessible and able to help me right away. He asked me the right questions to find out what type of unit I needed and before I knew it, we were looking at my new storage unit. I purchased a lock from the storage facility and moved in right away. There was a cart I could use to make my move efficient and before I could blink twice, I was done. Thanks Mel!” – Vogue

“Facility is clean and secure. Staff is cordial, professional, and explained all aspects of the process clearly. Shown two sizes and made my choice. Was able to purchase lock and moving accessories. Due to death this was an emotional process, made easier by the demeanor and patience of Mel. This is our second unit at this site and am very satisfied with the unit and service.” – PopPop87

Around Us

For car travelers, Store Manager Mel Melendez shares his shortcut for reaching the store: “Off of the south side service road of the Major Deegan Expressway.” For first-timers, hop off the 4, 5, or 6 at East 138th Street, less than 5 minutes by car from our CubeSmart store, or take the #21 bus to the Lincoln Avenue stop, just 3 blocks up 135th Street from the store. If you come and go frequently, we recommend you move in the morning, and then spend your afternoon exploring all that Mott Haven has to offer.

While developers have been trying to push the nickname “SoBro,” they haven’t had to try so hard to create a neighborhood akin to its namesake, SoHo. The same sense of community, charm, and energy enliven Mott Haven of the South Bronx with the same feeling experienced just before SoHo became So-crowded/popular/expensive.

Along 140th Street between Willis and Brook Avenues, just a 15-minute walk from our store, you can discover rows of adorable brick homes unchanged by the urbanization of the area. If it happens to be a Saturday in the summer or fall, you may even stumble upon the South Bronx Farmer’s Market where you can sit in on cooking demonstrations and shop around for locally grown food. Purchases made at the market support their mission to address the public health crises in obesity, diabetes, malnourishment, and undernourishment.

For an indulgence with fewer veggies, take 5 minutes to walk to Angie’s Café & Pizza and try a classic New York slice. Even closer to our store, Charlies Bar & Kitchen off Lincoln Avenue continues to wow locals with their modern American cuisine. And, with a dining room decorated with countless photos of famous Charlies—literally photos of people named Charlie—you’re sure to have a unique experience.

Walk off your meal or let the kids run free after a morning move at St. Mary’s Park between Jackson and St. Ann’s Avenue. The largest park in the South Bronx, St. Mary’s is an urban oasis with basketball and tennis courts, a running track, and a recreation center complete with an indoor pool.

Are you a proud resident of Mott Haven? We’d love it if you shared some of your favorite things about your neighborhood in the comments section below !

We would be excited to welcome new CubeSmart teammates. Check out our available jobs in The Bronx, New York.

Sources

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/29/realestate/mott-haven-the-bronx-in-transition.html#
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/nyc-neighborhoods-mott-haven-bronx-article-1.161098