This project involved the restoration of a 1850's townhouse in the Boerum Hill Landmark District of Brooklyn from a rooming housing to a single family residence.
Because the owner would require an elevator that would run from the finished cellar to the top floor, we needed to undertake substantial structural changes to the interior. In the process, we needed to demolish and remove 95% of the original ornamental plaster work. We then had our artisans replicate that plasterwork and reinstall it within the new rooms. As a finishing touch, most of the plasterwork was painted by a decorative painter, using as many as 6 colors to get the effect that the owner had envisioned.
The "Parlor" floor required that we install new flooring throughout, as the original floor was largely unsalvageable. The wide plank pine flooring that was salvaged was re-used on the upper floors, to provide a sense of historical continuity.
The kitchen was custom fabricated in naturally finished cherry in an Arts & Crafts style that suited the owner's taste, with a soapstone countertop that could stand up to the challenges of regular visits from her 4 grandchildren.
All of the windows were replaced with modern Landmark Preservation Commission approved windows, the ironwork was repaired and/or replaced as necessary, the exterior brick was carefully cleaned and repointed, and the front yard was reconfigured to allow for a handicap accessible ramp to the entrance under the stoop.
At the interior, all of the mechanical systems were removed and replaced with the latest in plumbing, heating and electrical fixturing. The house is heated entirely by in-floor radiant heat, supplied by a 96% efficient gas boiler, and is cooled by a central AC system.
Both the front and rear yards were landscaped to provide 4 season visual interest, without requiring a great deal of upkeep and seasonal work.