St. Nick's

St, Nick's is a housing project in Harlem where Wallace lives. The housing project is real, and is known for the violence that Wallace describes. Wallace describes the expansive complex that includes multiple buildings and a park. Rose builds the complex exactly, but she adds stars that symbolize the many people who have died. St. Nick's is a dangerous place for everyone, though the very young children and adults in Wallace's world seem to be less susceptible to the harassment and danger than the young teens and young adults.

Wallace's Apartment

Wallace lives in a two-bedroom apartment in the St. Nick's housing project. The apartment is small and is plagued by bugs. Wallace and the others who live in the projects expect the violence, bugs, and poor condition of the buildings as a matter of fact. Wallace has memories of spending time in this same apartment with...