A century-old brownstone on West 84th Street in New York City has been transformed into a remarkable residence that masterfully balances historic preservation with modern living. The project, completed by architectural firm Placeholder, maintains the building's original facade while creating an impressive 32-foot-long great room that never existed in the structure's original configuration.
The restoration project required Placeholder to work without a traditional client brief, forcing them to distill the essence of townhouse living into essential elements that feel both personal and adaptable. The architects deliberately avoided the unnecessary scale often associated with single-family urban houses, instead focusing on creating spaces that prioritize proportion, natural light, and spatial flow while respecting the landmark building's historic character.
The parlor residence spans an generous 3,300 square feet across three levels, all organized around the dramatic 32-foot great room featuring soaring 11-foot ceilings. This configuration establishes spatial proportions that are exceptionally rare in urban housing. The open plan is anchored by a striking Molteni&C kitchen crafted from Calacatta Viola marble, which serves as both a functional centerpiece and material focal point for the entire living space.
One of the most impressive aspects of the renovation is the integration of outdoor space, with nearly 900 square feet of landscaped gardens and terraces that extend daily life beyond the interior boundaries. The garden-level primary suite overlooks the private yard and includes an adjacent flexible room that can accommodate dressing, office, or sitting functions depending on the residents' needs.
The penthouse residence offers 2,700 square feet of interior space complemented by a 400-square-foot roof terrace. The design features a carefully curated material palette that includes Arabescato Turquoise marble vanities, pristine Alaska White shower surfaces, and radiant-heated Nero Marquina floors. These luxurious finishes are paired with premium Waterworks and Dornbracht fixtures throughout the bathrooms.
A standout architectural feature is the handcrafted curved staircase that connects to the rooftop studio and terrace. This element demonstrates how vertical circulation can become an architectural statement rather than merely serving functional necessity. The stair's elegant curves create visual interest while maintaining the home's sophisticated aesthetic.
Throughout both residences, design consistency is maintained through carefully selected materials and finishes. Oak herringbone floors provide warmth and texture, while restored original moldings preserve the building's historic character. Integrated lighting systems have been seamlessly incorporated to provide modern illumination without compromising the architectural integrity.
The kitchens and bathrooms receive special treatment as objects within the architecture, designed with the precision typically reserved for fine furniture. This approach ensures that these functional spaces contribute to the overall design narrative while providing contemporary amenities and efficiency.
Each residence enjoys a unique relationship with the urban context through its outdoor connections. The parlor's landscaped garden provides a rare city amenity that extends the private realm horizontally, offering residents a peaceful retreat from urban life. In contrast, the penthouse terrace and studio provide vertical escape, shaped by natural light and expansive city views.
The project successfully demonstrates how existing architectural preservation and modern interventions can coexist harmoniously. By maintaining the brownstone's historic facade while completely reimagining the interior spaces, Placeholder has created residences that honor the past while embracing contemporary living standards. The result is a thoughtful transformation that adds nearly 1,300 square feet of outdoor space to urban living while preserving an important piece of New York City's architectural heritage.
