Gene Giscombe, Prominent Harlem Real Estate Investor, Dies
New York has lost Eugene Giscombe, one of Harlem’s most prominent real estate investors, after he died suddenly of a brain aneurysm this past weekend. He was 76.
Gene was known by many as the “Mayor of 125th Street” for his role in the commercial strip’s resurgence. He was the grandson of Lawrence Giscbome, a prominent developer and landlord in Harlem during the Great Depression and the 1940s.
He was born and raised in the neighborhood, and became head of sales at Harlem-based Webb & Booker in 1972. He then founded Giscombe Realty Group in 1982; over the years it would focus on brokerage, property management, consulting and development.
Last year, Gene’s firm sold what might be considered its flagship property, the Lee Building at 1825 Park Ave. Savanna paid $48M for the 12-story building. Gene bought it for $40k in 1979.
Gene was civically active, serving as chair of the 125th Street Business Improvement District and on the board of directors of the Harlem YMCA. Among Gene’s passions was hunting. He recounted in a 2011 profile for the New York Times that he’d traveled the world to go on safaris.
Gene is survived his wife, Shirley, and his children Lesley, Susan and Lasalve, and brothers Gary and Ronald Giscombe.
His family asks that donations in his name be sent to Harlem Academy, 1330 Fifth Ave NYC 10026 or Harlem Branch YMCA, 5 West 63 St, 7th Floor, NYC 10023.
