This historic rowhouse measures only 12’-6” wide inside. With six levels of living space organized around a central stair, it was originally a tall stack of narrow rooms. To optimize usable space, we deployed design solutions that maximize and multiply functions. A successful project includes getting the building’s systems working right so our clients can enjoy their house effortlessly. As such, our targeted work provided critical remediation and upgrades to the house. We strategized to fix a cellar floor prone to flooding, revamped mechanical systems, secured the main stair, and repaired the building envelope. Indeed, most of this key work is hidden behind the scenes. Meanwhile, our focused design gave a much-needed facelift to the parlor floor and strategic upgrades to the others.
Built between 1865-1871, this Italianate brick rowhouse is noted by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for its elliptically arched door and window openings and is listed as a landmark building itself, rather than part of a historic district. Façade restoration includes all new street-facing windows to meet LPC standards, masonry repointing, and fresh paint. Likewise, at the building rear, a new parlor window echoes the arches of the façade with a contemporary interpretation.
On the parlor floor, we removed dated materials and finishes, unoriginal to the building and inconsistent with modern life. We replaced dark tiles with a new stone flooring pattern. A re-envisioned fireplace boasts a sleek quartzite mantel with soapstone hearthstone. The new steel window, echoing the elliptical entry door, bathes the room in natural light. In parallel, we traded heavy, dated curtains for an elegant mechanical shade, heavy window bars and thick wood windows for slim steel frames and a retractable insect screen. Custom walnut and soapstone millwork conceals HVAC and AV equipment while integrating lighting and display.
Downstairs and located below grade, the garden room has direct access to both the garden and family space. The room’s wide door opening allows natural light deep into the house. This family room also doubles as the guest room; tucked behind a wide panel, a murphy bed folds down for overnight guests, with the panel functioning as a huge door to close off the room for privacy—a compact solution for flexible living.
On the children’s floor, we maximized storage and made doors serve double duty. Coplanar door hardware at the stair landing provides a muted, paneled wall, with doors that slide open to reveal storage, while eliminating awkward swings and making the most of a narrow space. Inspired by Marcel Duchamp’s inventive small-apartment doors in Paris, each bedroom door pivots to serve dual purposes—concealing a clothing bay or closing off the ensuite bathroom to form a private dressing area.
The result: a restored and reimagined home—where robust infrastructure, refined materials, and modern interventions bring contained elegance and effortless livability to a historic structure.
