Located within the Central Park West Historic District, this landmarked townhouse was originally designed by Architect James S. Post and built in 1886-87 in the Renaissance Revival style. The townhouse was completely re-imagined to accommodate a more open and modern luxurious layout by Eric Safyan Architect P.C., while still maintaining a contextual and historic presence on 95th Street amongst the adjacent brownstone rowhouses. The scope of the renovation was a complete reworking of the existing 4-story building along with the addition of a 5th-story and rooftop terrace, a rear 3-story enlargement, a full cellar conversion, and the creation of multiple outdoor decks, terraces plus a landscaped rear yard with built-in seating and the incorporation of an original tree.
Exterior Restoration and Modern Addition
The exterior facade was carefully restored in all its details, materials, and scale. It continues to contribute to the special architectural and historic character of the neighborhood. Many portions of the facade were restored back to its original Brownstone elements such as a rusticated rough-faced base, a smooth brownstone facing at the parlor level, stone window surrounds, and brownstone stoop, newel post, and planters. Other work includes the restoration of the historic cornice, ornamental ironwork, new Bluestone patio, and the installation of historically appropriate landmarked double-hung windows, paired wood and glass entry doors, and new lighting sconces.
The new 5th-story enlargement is set back from view on this landmarked block and incorporates a contextual brick and streamlined metal cornice that complements the original historic facade. Similarly, the rear facade incorporates a historic dark red brick as its main color pallet while framing a much more open expanse of black framed windows and doors. The brick detailing is modern and streamlined yet still creates a rich texture through the use of alternating brick patterns and reveal details. The use of a brick corbelling detail to match the original adjacent buildings in the row was also utilized in combination with modern ironwork for the stairs and railings to accomplish a streamlined yet modern approach to the rear facade.
Design Strategy
The design strategy of this brownstone restoration and addition was to create a contemporary, state-of-the-art luxury home. It is designed with a series of generous open living spaces that flow from one to the next while still maintaining a contextual classic townhouse character. The townhouse design utilizes a streamlined classic yet modern millwork detailing such as the elegant understated moldings used for the baseboards, crowns and door casings. The coffered ceilings are another element that tie the design together in a classic townhouse language while keeping a clean and open design detailing. Other elements within the townhouse such as the wide and open skylit grand stairway, and the private 6-stop elevator provide for an ease of circulation from floor to floor. A lot of thought was also put into the comfort and quality of a modern lifestyle through the use of technologies such as radiant in-floor heating throughout the house as well as energy efficient multi-zoned HVAC system for on demand cooling and supplementary heating that is brought to each room through the use of elegant linear diffusers seamlessly incorporated into the coffered ceilings. The townhouse is also completely outfitted with an integrated AV/ smarthome system, in-ceiling and exterior speaker system, and energy efficient lighting and controls throughout. Design of the interior spaces was in collaboration with Adam Cassino Designs who developed a rich, nuanced materials palette for the house including kitchens and baths, and lighting fixtures. The townhouse was meticulously constructed by the team at S & B Construction of NY.