Set mid-block on a tree-lined stretch of the Upper East Side, 121 East 83rd Street is a rare 25-foot-wide carriage house that invites vision as much as admiration. Currently configured as a mixed-use property with a private residence and doctors office, this three-story building offers a compelling opportunity: to transform a historic 1899 structure into a distinctive single-family townhouse.
Architect Alessandra Trevaini, of Altra Studio, reflects on the potential:
“This carriage house has a rich story to tell, one that's etched into every detail of the property. You can feel it in the small wood block flooring, the graceful brick arches of the office, and the quiet charm of the sunroom. Preserving the character of a building like this isn’t just important, it’s essential. I believe the success of any well-balanced renovation lies in honoring the existing architecture while thoughtfully introducing new life. For me, design always begins with context: understanding what’s already there and letting it guide what comes next.”
With approximately 7,800 square feet, the scale of the home allows for incredible flexibility — whether you envision expansive entertaining spaces, light-filled bedrooms, or a modern, open-plan kitchen anchored by historical textures. The existing curb cut is especially rare for a townhouse of this kind, adding both convenience and long-term value.
Whether restored as a contemporary family residence or reimagined to incorporate a work-life balance, 121 East 83rd Street represents a chance to bridge historic integrity with modern vision.
Listed with Jed Garfield, Caylyn Sullivan and Lydia Rosengarten