New York, NY

The original row house on this Greenwich Village street was accidentally blown up in 1970 by the Weathermen, the political-activist group. The new house knits the block back together while acknowledging that its history is quite different than the other houses in the row.

The exterior was specifically designed to be different from those of the 19th century. It assumed a new structure was necessary because of the damaged walls and needed to be structurally independent from the neighbors. The Landmarks Commission specifically asked that the original building should not be reproduced, asking instead for a “contemporary design” with this unprecedented opportunity for something new.

The interior of the residence is marked by a diagonal plan creating spatial and visual diversity inside. The plan projects through the flat, continuous facades of the surrounding Greek Revival structures. At the same time, the house is integrated with neighboring townhouses by replicating their stoops, rusticated bases and cornice heights.

In 2012, a new owner engaged H3 to develop a new interior and rear façade to the house. Through careful consideration of floor levels, room sizes, and window fenestration, much of the house’s design was brought up to contemporary living standards. The reimagined concept accepts the inevitable change in the city through “appropriate” and complementary, new design ideas.

CLIENT: Name withheld
COMPLETION: 2016
SIZE: 10,000 square feet