Multifamily Residential Townhouse
Interior and Exterior Renovation 8,400 SF

This project includes the restoration and reconfiguration of a corner 5 story townhouse in the Fort Greene Historic District, which was shaped by a long and complex history. Prior to renovation, the building was vacant for extended periods, partially occupied, and altered without clear authorship, resulting in a structure that was both physically degraded and fragmented. This condition revealed a building that had lost clarity but retained architectural potential.

The project formed part of a broader reorganization of the site, including the subdivision of the original tax lot and the development of a new residential building to the rear along Willoughby with the available zoning air rights. Within this framework, the townhouse was carefully repaired and reimagined as a five unit condominium, balancing preservation with a comprehensive interior reconfiguration and modernization.

A duplex residence occupies the basement and cellar levels, while individual through units span the Parlor through fourth floors, each benefiting from the building’s corner condition and multiple exposures. A shared roof deck crowns the building, extending living space upward and providing a collective amenity with Park views.

Rather than attempting to recreate a singular moment in the building’s past, the renovation treats history as layered and incomplete. Exterior elements were selectively restored to reestablish the building’s presence anchoring the street corner, while interiors details where remaining were incorporated into layouts that were fully reworked to support contemporary living with new bathrooms and kitchens and mechanical systems. The corner condition allows daylight to penetrate deeply into the units and provide views into Fort Green Park.

The project reflects our approach to renovation that understands decay not as failure, but as a phase in a building’s life to be retained where possible while allowing for change. Through careful repair and reorganization, the project transforms a once overlooked structure into a second life, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can reconnect architectural heritage with present day inhabitation while incorporating sustainable systems and construction standards and modern living.