Collector’s House
A modern renovation that restores the original craft
This historic townhouse located on a street known as Doctor’s Row in Harlem is one of a series of landmarked structures originally designed by William Tuthill, the architect of Carnegie Hall. The owners, a lawyer and a TV producer, with adult children, took over the entire townhouse to have expanded spaces for living, entertaining and showcasing their extensive collection of art, furniture, books and travel souvenirs. The project restored the incredible craftsmanship and architectural detail of this Renaissance Revival townhouse that is over 130 years old while also creating open layouts and modern built-ins that improve the flow of light and movement in the space.
Continuous Living
The owners entertain various sized groups of friends and colleagues in their house and they wanted to accommodate large groups of guests and also comfortable for those times when it is occupied by just the owners. The garden and parlor floors of the house were extended to the rear and a double height space and feature stair were created to join these floors together and to the rear yard. An expansive continuous living space is created but the space is broken down into a series of more intimate and unique spaces that allow for smaller groups to be comfortable.
Living spaces
The upper two floors of the townhouse are dedicated to more private spaces with a master suite and gym on the top floor and a library and guest bedroom on the third floor. The elegant proportions of the bedroom layouts on these floors is maintained as were the original details: stained glass transoms, carved wood fireplace surrounds, and moldings. On the master floor, new materials such as Moroccan cement tiles, matte finished oak, and honed marble are used to bring texture and warmth to the modern built-ins.
Old and New Detail
Much of the original woodwork in the house remained in the project but it was covered by over a century of paint. Doors, mirrors, and fireplace surrounds were stripped to the original wood and refinished. The original brownstone façade and metal cornice were also restored. New insertions are modern and minimal but textured with rich materials such as the concrete treads of the floating staircase or the etched brass and patterned marble of the kitchen islands.
Drawings
- Location Harlem, Manhattan, New York
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Collaborators
Interior Designer: Kari McCabe Inc
Landscape Designer: Hillary Finn Gardens
Structural Engineer: Ivan David Engineers & Associates
Mechanical Engineer: Ramirez and Azadian Analysis and Design
- Size 4800 s.f.
- Status Completed | 2018
- Photographer Jody Kivort
