Brooklyn Heights Federal

Located in Brooklyn’s oldest historic district, this Federal-style house was built in 1826 as a freestanding wood-framed structure. As the district grew denser and adjoining buildings were constructed, the home’s lot-line windows were filled in, and it became one within a continuous row of townhouses.

Our clients, having a strong appreciation for historic detailing, asked us to bring a cohesive, contemporary vision to the house while maintaining original elements. To balance preservation with the needs of modern family life, we reconfigured the interior so the most- used spaces became larger and central to the home. The basement became a children’s playroom with walls to play tennis against, and the parlor floor was reorganized around the
kitchen.

Throughout, we were careful to preserve and replicate historic crown molding, salvage and relocate existing ceiling medallions, and restore existing wall paneling, while marrying bold colors and contemporary details with the historic fabric.

This renovation revitalizes an outdated home, harmonizing preservation with contemporary living. Yet from the street, the transformation is subtle. The Federal-style front facade was left intact, with work limited to restoring the deteriorated wood stoop, one of the last in the neighborhood and the borough at large.