ARCHITECTURE : Programming | Schematic Design | Historical Research | Landmarks & Community Board Approval
THE PROJECT: BRINGING NEW LIFE TO A HISTORIC WEST VILLAGE BROWNSTONE
For a young family settling into a historic West Village brownstone, the goal was to restore its original charm while reimagining the interior for modern family living. The building was designed with flexibility in mind to allow the family to occupy the first three floors as a family home while the upper floors of the building will be rented out to tenants until the family desires to expand into those spaces.
DESIGNING A SOLUTION
With a focus on restoring the home’s historic character while adapting it for contemporary family living, we revived the original stoop and facade to reestablish the building’s main floor as a single-family residence. We efficiently navigated the landmark through the landmark approvals process, enabling us to proceed with a comprehensive redesign that strengthened the home’s connection to the vibrant West Village.
On the first floor, we introduced a more open layout to enhance natural light, circulation, and daily functionality. The basement at street level was reconfigured for sleeping quarters with larger bedrooms. Excavation of the rear yard allowed for a cellar with light and air that walks out to the garden, connecting with the upper floor and expanding the dining and gathering spaces. This enabled us to redesign the space as a family room with direct access to a newly added greenhouse, creating a serene, light-filled retreat and enhancing access to the outdoors.
THE RESULT
The restored stoop and facade return the home to its historic presence, while the reimagined interior offers openness, light, and flexibility for family living. The new layout seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces, with the greenhouse and backyard extending the home’s living area. The result is a home that honors its past while supporting modern life.
