With its grand bones and patrician façade, this 1848 Gramercy Park townhouse presented exciting challenges for the new generation of the Isaly family. Previous conversions had left one large triplex crowned by three loft-like residences. Their dream was simple but ambitious: the reconfiguration of the building into two dwellings, one atop the other, of equal value and scale. At the same time, the structure’s deteriorated condition meant investing in a whole new steel frame as well as replacement electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
Ulises Liceaga, redeveloping the upper half of the building only, kicked off the project by adding a whole new top floor. Measuring 620 square feet, the additional storey thus solved the issue of an equal division of space between the two dwellings. Thereafter, the design plans called for an open-plan, floor-through kitchen/dining/living space, a TV room, office, three bedrooms and three and half bathrooms.
The family imagined a showcase home that honoured its soul while unashamedly bringing it into the new century. In their quest for daring, they turned for help also to ODA (Architect of Record), Ingo Maurer (lighting design) and Emilio Garcia (sculptor). Everyone on the team harnessed their talents to the single vision of forging spectacular, multi-function spaces in a family home bathed from top to bottom in the sparkle of the sun in the summer and the softer rays of the New York winter.
Sources: Fractal Construction
