A thoughtful restoration of a landmarked Prospect Lefferts brownstone that carefully preserves original architectural details while surgically upgrading systems and introducing light-filled spaces for contemporary family living.
The Lefferts House
Photography by Pepe Molina
The Plan
Our team transformed this 1899 neo-Renaissance townhouse into a comfortable, contemporary home for a young family of three, while carefully restoring and celebrating its exceptional historic character.
The landmarked structure retained a wealth of original detailing on its upper two floors, all of which required careful restoration. By contrast, the basement level was in poor condition, with dated finishes and limited access to natural light, having seen little meaningful renovation since the building’s original construction.
We meticulously restored original millwork and plasterwork throughout, and repaired and refinished the existing hardwood floors. We integrated two new bathrooms into the historic layout, while respecting the home’s original proportions and architectural language. And we reimagined the basement level as a bright, welcoming kitchen, anchored by large French doors that open directly to the rear yard. Both exterior façades were carefully repaired and restored, and a new rear stair added to provide direct access from the parlor level to the garden.
Sustainability
The project focused on significantly improving the home’s energy performance through enhanced insulation and a comprehensive upgrade of its mechanical systems. Most existing windows were replaced with high-performance units, and a new concealed HVAC system with electric heat pumps was introduced. Additional sustainable strategies included low-VOC paints, LED lighting throughout, and the use of low-formaldehyde plywood and cabinetry to promote a healthier indoor environment.
