Greenwich Village
Greek Revival

This project focused on renovating a four-story rowhouse in the Greenwich Village Historic District in Manhattan for a family of four, including two small children. The rowhouse was initially constructed in 1846 along with several other Greek Revival-style rowhouses on the same block. The existing house appeared to have been last renovated during the 1980s by the previous owner, imposing an anachronistic Art Deco flair to the interior spaces, which included an undersized galley kitchen and outdated rear sunroom. The goal of The Brooklyn Studio was to maximize the amount of useable space, both inside and out, while maintaining the bones of this historic district home.

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse kitchen

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse vestibule

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse dining room

Working with the clients, we set out to restore the original architecture. A wood-paneled vestibule sets an elegant tone for the parlor floor that opens to a long hall with gently curved stairs, redesigned to create a tower of natural light spilling down from the large skylight. Parallel to the hall is a series of rooms, each distinct and opening to the next. From the living room at the front, one can look into the intimate dining room. The arch frames a perfect view that looks to a grand kitchen at the rear and culminates in a picturesque view of the garden.

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse garden floor

Presented with the dual challenge of preservation while capitalizing on space, we worked with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to enlarge the existing 2-story rear extension while carving out spacious rooms on the parlor and garden floors.

Greenwich Village Greek Revival primary bedroom

On the second floor, the building envelope was stepped out to provide a large bay window for the primary bedroom at the rear of the home, where we installed a green roof that echoes the verdant planting in the garden below. The primary bath was relocated to the front of the second floor, resulting in a spacious suite with a double vanity, free-standing tub, private toilet, and large shower.

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse office

We created many memorable moments for the children, including a custom-designed bunk bed in the boy’s room. Interior designer Ariel Ashe worked with artist Andie Dinkin to adorn the walls with whimsical characters that are highlighted by the light penetrating from the penthouse addition.

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse children's bedroom

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse staircase

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse penthouse

Inside the new penthouse addition, we incorporated wall-to-wall bronze framed glass doors and the front and rear, which fold back entirely to reveal the New York City skyline, providing a stunning view for the family to enjoy on warm evenings. We used the same limestone flooring inside the penthouse that was used to pave the rooftop, contributing to the sense of continuous space and enhancing the natural indoor/outdoor overlap.

The most significant transformation took place in the cellar, where an extensive excavation was done to create a spacious area with comfortable headroom. We added over 1,350 sq. ft. of usable space including a fitness room with a personal sauna. The gym opens to a sunken garden with an outdoor shower, allowing natural light to enter from above and reflect across the interior space.

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse cellar

Greenwich Village Greek Revival rowhouse gym

We collaborated with interior design firm Ashe Leandro to bring the client's traditional, yet eclectic and artistic style to life. The interiors adorned with Roman clay, handmade tiles, and painted murals blend effortlessly to showcase the perfect balance between art, architecture, and landscape within the home.