This brownstone in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood was constructed during the mid-nineteenth century in the Italianate style. Over the years, the 4,250 sq. ft. property has gone through several owners, resulting in the majority of the building's original details having been removed. Our objective was to rehabilitate the house for a family with young children while also paying tribute to the building’s rich history.
![Fort Greene Italianate Facade](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d9af8f1fae634c459ace0a8fefc052a99a5b7220-1584x2376.jpg?w=446&auto=format 446w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d9af8f1fae634c459ace0a8fefc052a99a5b7220-1584x2376.jpg?w=741&auto=format 741w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d9af8f1fae634c459ace0a8fefc052a99a5b7220-1584x2376.jpg?w=949&auto=format 949w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d9af8f1fae634c459ace0a8fefc052a99a5b7220-1584x2376.jpg?w=591&auto=format 591w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d9af8f1fae634c459ace0a8fefc052a99a5b7220-1584x2376.jpg?w=792&auto=format 792w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d9af8f1fae634c459ace0a8fefc052a99a5b7220-1584x2376.jpg?w=792&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d9af8f1fae634c459ace0a8fefc052a99a5b7220-1584x2376.jpg?w=1584&auto=format 1584w)
Architectural excavations began in the foyer and parlor floor, where we introduced historically appropriate detailing. The massive parlor floor was reconfigured to create more intimate gathering spaces for cooking and entertaining, including a rounded alcove dining chamber.
![Fort Greene Italianate Entryway](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/77f4dff5cb09156ded45514e46cf9c23e17e4196-1584x2376.jpg?w=446&auto=format 446w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/77f4dff5cb09156ded45514e46cf9c23e17e4196-1584x2376.jpg?w=741&auto=format 741w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/77f4dff5cb09156ded45514e46cf9c23e17e4196-1584x2376.jpg?w=949&auto=format 949w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/77f4dff5cb09156ded45514e46cf9c23e17e4196-1584x2376.jpg?w=591&auto=format 591w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/77f4dff5cb09156ded45514e46cf9c23e17e4196-1584x2376.jpg?w=792&auto=format 792w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/77f4dff5cb09156ded45514e46cf9c23e17e4196-1584x2376.jpg?w=792&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/77f4dff5cb09156ded45514e46cf9c23e17e4196-1584x2376.jpg?w=1584&auto=format 1584w)
We salvaged the front parlor’s ornate crown molding during construction and reconstructed missing sections throughout the living room.
![Fort Greene Italianate Living Room.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3f31d9e537c7dd84c01a5a01bd286a372de8f4bc-2666x1777.jpg?w=480&auto=format 480w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3f31d9e537c7dd84c01a5a01bd286a372de8f4bc-2666x1777.jpg?w=768&auto=format 768w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3f31d9e537c7dd84c01a5a01bd286a372de8f4bc-2666x1777.jpg?w=1024&auto=format 1024w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3f31d9e537c7dd84c01a5a01bd286a372de8f4bc-2666x1777.jpg?w=999&auto=format 999w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3f31d9e537c7dd84c01a5a01bd286a372de8f4bc-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 1333w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3f31d9e537c7dd84c01a5a01bd286a372de8f4bc-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3f31d9e537c7dd84c01a5a01bd286a372de8f4bc-2666x1777.jpg?w=2666&auto=format 2666w)
We enlarged the masonry openings at the back of the home to create a stronger connection to the backyard from the garden and parlor floors. On the parlor floor, we added sliding glass doors that lead to a new steel deck, increasing the amount of natural light filtering into the colorful kitchen.
![Fort Greene Italianate Kitchen](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/b77d59beebb613699da916888bec384147d9a14d-2666x1777.jpg?w=480&auto=format 480w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/b77d59beebb613699da916888bec384147d9a14d-2666x1777.jpg?w=768&auto=format 768w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/b77d59beebb613699da916888bec384147d9a14d-2666x1777.jpg?w=1024&auto=format 1024w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/b77d59beebb613699da916888bec384147d9a14d-2666x1777.jpg?w=999&auto=format 999w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/b77d59beebb613699da916888bec384147d9a14d-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 1333w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/b77d59beebb613699da916888bec384147d9a14d-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/b77d59beebb613699da916888bec384147d9a14d-2666x1777.jpg?w=2666&auto=format 2666w)
![Fort Greene Italianate Kitchen](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d12d52df99eab1c406fe2487ad79b67d8fd8a212-2666x1777.jpg?w=480&auto=format 480w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d12d52df99eab1c406fe2487ad79b67d8fd8a212-2666x1777.jpg?w=768&auto=format 768w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d12d52df99eab1c406fe2487ad79b67d8fd8a212-2666x1777.jpg?w=1024&auto=format 1024w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d12d52df99eab1c406fe2487ad79b67d8fd8a212-2666x1777.jpg?w=999&auto=format 999w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d12d52df99eab1c406fe2487ad79b67d8fd8a212-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 1333w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d12d52df99eab1c406fe2487ad79b67d8fd8a212-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/d12d52df99eab1c406fe2487ad79b67d8fd8a212-2666x1777.jpg?w=2666&auto=format 2666w)
We installed custom millwork to house the family's vast collection of books in the study.
![Fort Greene Italianate Hallway](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/2840c651fc5f188035a5c7bab48a5fdf264dbf16-1584x2376.jpg?w=446&auto=format 446w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/2840c651fc5f188035a5c7bab48a5fdf264dbf16-1584x2376.jpg?w=741&auto=format 741w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/2840c651fc5f188035a5c7bab48a5fdf264dbf16-1584x2376.jpg?w=949&auto=format 949w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/2840c651fc5f188035a5c7bab48a5fdf264dbf16-1584x2376.jpg?w=591&auto=format 591w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/2840c651fc5f188035a5c7bab48a5fdf264dbf16-1584x2376.jpg?w=792&auto=format 792w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/2840c651fc5f188035a5c7bab48a5fdf264dbf16-1584x2376.jpg?w=792&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/2840c651fc5f188035a5c7bab48a5fdf264dbf16-1584x2376.jpg?w=1584&auto=format 1584w)
![Fort Greene Italianate Study](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/fbe9067d2edc1cdd261797552c3a380ae0de3d6d-3840x5195.jpg?w=514&auto=format 514w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/fbe9067d2edc1cdd261797552c3a380ae0de3d6d-3840x5195.jpg?w=714&auto=format 714w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/fbe9067d2edc1cdd261797552c3a380ae0de3d6d-3840x5195.jpg?w=940&auto=format 940w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/fbe9067d2edc1cdd261797552c3a380ae0de3d6d-3840x5195.jpg?w=693&auto=format 693w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/fbe9067d2edc1cdd261797552c3a380ae0de3d6d-3840x5195.jpg?w=927&auto=format 927w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/fbe9067d2edc1cdd261797552c3a380ae0de3d6d-3840x5195.jpg?w=927&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/fbe9067d2edc1cdd261797552c3a380ae0de3d6d-3840x5195.jpg?w=1854&auto=format 1854w)
![Fort Greene Italianate Study](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/19f674008548f1680ebc4f04f8f0c9ceac58fa3f-3840x5233.jpg?w=338&auto=format 338w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/19f674008548f1680ebc4f04f8f0c9ceac58fa3f-3840x5233.jpg?w=544&auto=format 544w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/19f674008548f1680ebc4f04f8f0c9ceac58fa3f-3840x5233.jpg?w=721&auto=format 721w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/19f674008548f1680ebc4f04f8f0c9ceac58fa3f-3840x5233.jpg?w=387&auto=format 387w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/19f674008548f1680ebc4f04f8f0c9ceac58fa3f-3840x5233.jpg?w=521&auto=format 521w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/19f674008548f1680ebc4f04f8f0c9ceac58fa3f-3840x5233.jpg?w=521&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/19f674008548f1680ebc4f04f8f0c9ceac58fa3f-3840x5233.jpg?w=1042&auto=format 1042w)
![Fort Greene Italianate Primary Bath](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3c09ec2cd4e5183ac298c0f34758c04e6a74f929-2666x1777.jpg?w=480&auto=format 480w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3c09ec2cd4e5183ac298c0f34758c04e6a74f929-2666x1777.jpg?w=768&auto=format 768w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3c09ec2cd4e5183ac298c0f34758c04e6a74f929-2666x1777.jpg?w=1024&auto=format 1024w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3c09ec2cd4e5183ac298c0f34758c04e6a74f929-2666x1777.jpg?w=999&auto=format 999w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3c09ec2cd4e5183ac298c0f34758c04e6a74f929-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 1333w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3c09ec2cd4e5183ac298c0f34758c04e6a74f929-2666x1777.jpg?w=1333&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/3c09ec2cd4e5183ac298c0f34758c04e6a74f929-2666x1777.jpg?w=2666&auto=format 2666w)
Sliding partitions were added to the garden floor allowing for unobstructed views throughout the entire floor.
![Fort Greene Italianate Rear Facade](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/59eb9cc34ad5b645291336b40be86e7baa5997db-3840x5194.jpg?w=514&auto=format 514w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/59eb9cc34ad5b645291336b40be86e7baa5997db-3840x5194.jpg?w=714&auto=format 714w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/59eb9cc34ad5b645291336b40be86e7baa5997db-3840x5194.jpg?w=940&auto=format 940w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/59eb9cc34ad5b645291336b40be86e7baa5997db-3840x5194.jpg?w=693&auto=format 693w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/59eb9cc34ad5b645291336b40be86e7baa5997db-3840x5194.jpg?w=927&auto=format 927w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/59eb9cc34ad5b645291336b40be86e7baa5997db-3840x5194.jpg?w=927&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/59eb9cc34ad5b645291336b40be86e7baa5997db-3840x5194.jpg?w=1854&auto=format 1854w)
![Fort Greene Italianate Garden Floor](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/6dadf2fbed6bc5dc8ef2727eca2c92457135c639-3840x5234.jpg?w=338&auto=format 338w,https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/6dadf2fbed6bc5dc8ef2727eca2c92457135c639-3840x5234.jpg?w=544&auto=format 544w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/6dadf2fbed6bc5dc8ef2727eca2c92457135c639-3840x5234.jpg?w=721&auto=format 721w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/6dadf2fbed6bc5dc8ef2727eca2c92457135c639-3840x5234.jpg?w=387&auto=format 387w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/6dadf2fbed6bc5dc8ef2727eca2c92457135c639-3840x5234.jpg?w=521&auto=format 521w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/6dadf2fbed6bc5dc8ef2727eca2c92457135c639-3840x5234.jpg?w=521&auto=format 2880w, https://cdn.sanity.io/images/wups1rn4/production/6dadf2fbed6bc5dc8ef2727eca2c92457135c639-3840x5234.jpg?w=1042&auto=format 1042w)
The Fort Greene Italianate was featured in March/April 2024 issue of Luxe Interiors + Design, and also featured on Brownstoner and The Wall Street Journal.
Building Information
Location
Fort Greene Historic District
Originally Built
1865
Rehabilitation Completed
2023
Size
4,250 sf
Credits
Partner In Charge
Kimberly Neuhaus
Project Team
Karin Ames, Ana Cubit
General Contractor
A.E. Gryeson
Structural Engineer
D'Huy Engineering, Inc.
MEP Engineering
D'Antonio Consulting Engineers
Expeditor
J. Callahan Consulting
Interior Design
J Morris Design
Photographer
Allyson Lubow
Stylist
Katja Greeff
Fort Greene Italianate