We sat down with the owner/developers of this beautiful home in the West Village to uncover their renovation process, a project which began in 2022 as a multi-family townhouse conversion, and has been repositioned into a luxurious single-family home in the heart of the West Village.
During our conversation we were able to uncover some of the reasons why townhouse development in Manhattan is appealing and what goes into a gut renovation and expansion project in New York City.
How did you balance contemporary design while maintaining the home’s historic character?
There was very little to nothing to salvage from the original home given its disrepair. The property last sold in 1969 and the former owner did little to maintain the home prior to our acquisition. We aimed to reproduce original architectural details typical of West Village townhouses while modernizing it for the current needs and demands of the market. Working with our architect and millwork designer to revive these details throughout the house was paramount.
What inspired specific material choices for the home and how do they contribute to the home’s overall aesthetic?
We wanted to create a more traditional home but at the same time wanted the overall aesthetic of the house to feel modern, open and light. For instance, we used natural Italian marbles for the kitchens, the bar and all bathrooms to achieve this light, contemporary aesthetic. We used natural stones for an arched entry to the kitchen and the elevator floors and selected classic Rift and Quartered Chevron oak flooring which is classic but modern because of the larger width of the planks. All these material choices were deliberate to be in keeping with the home’s original character; however, add that spacious, bright, contemporary feel.
How did you ensure the updated home respects and complements the surrounding architectural landscape?
11th Street is located in the Historic Landmarked District. It was required to keep the original stucco façade that was on the building. The condition was so poor that we ended up duplicating the look as nothing could be salvaged. Throughout the two year process, LPC (Landmarks Preservation Commission) helped guide us to ensure the home remained authentic to what the artistic movement of the original period envisioned. We were however able to add more modern elements like longer windows in the front and a spectacular rear aluminium facade in lieu of the original “Tea Porch”.
Is outdoor space important in a townhouse development and how did you maximize this on your project?
All townhouse buyers are looking for private outdoor spaces and are very sensitive to the surrounding buildings. To maximize space, we excavated most of the garden to create a large and one level rear garden, which can accommodate separate seating and eating areas. With LPC direction and our rear yard expansion we achieved multiple setbacks which allows for three North-Facing terraces. Also, because this house is built on a full lot size (appx. 98’-deep) and abuts large townhouse gardens on all sides, it feels so open in the garden with tons of sunlight.
Can you share your design process for the kitchen and its role in the home?
The kitchen is a focal point for most modern families as it brings people together. For this reason, we decided to have a large kitchen which can be a gourmet chef’s kitchen but also a gathering place with a comfortable sitting area and direct access to the bright garden. Having a large central island functions as a big table, but also a great cooking space. Excavating this level also allowed us to have greater ceiling height and tall doors in the rear. The amount of storage and appliance space is superior to most large suburban homes.
Looking back at the completed townhouse, what aspects of the home are you most proud of?
We love what we built, and it is always truly spectacular to see your vision come to life! We particularly love the grand entry to the house which allows you to immediately see through to the rear garden at first entry. Because we lengthened the house, the lower level floorplates are very deep and we adore the Parlor Floor living spaces.
To learn more about this incredible project, visit the listing here or contact Matthew Lesser.