A rare, original wood framed townhouse from the early 1800s, which had been altered over the years, was lovingly restored and effectively rebuilt to provide a contemporary home for a family's enjoyment for many years to come.

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The project located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village neighborhood was originally built in 1826 as a single-family two-story home. It has gone through many alterations and additions throughout its history resulting in its last incarnation as a three-family three-story residence. Working closing with Good Property LLC, the developer who purchased the building and site in early 2011, plans were set in motion to return the building to its original use as a single family residence. Due to the recent annexation of the block to the adjacent landmarked historic district, the front façade was required to be preserved and restored. The painted façade was stripped to reveal the original brick façade and stone lintels. While the front façade was brought back to its former glory, the rear existing façade was also removed and built anew. Vertical grained fir windows and projecting frames define masonry openings in the new and contemporary dark grey brick façade. A fourth floor addition at the roof is pulled back from the front façade to limit its exposure from the street as required by the landmarks preservation commission. It is concurrently being pulled back from the new rear façade creating the opportunity for exterior terrace space at both the front and the back.

The interior finishes exhibit the developer’s desire to infuse the home with a modern yet warm style. Salvaged wide plank oak is used throughout while bathroom floors and walls are faced in natural limestone, neutral porcelains and penny tiles. Plumbing fixtures and fittings are contemporary without being antiseptic, and a millwork program inclusive of the kitchen and various built-ins throughout the home was created in collaboration with Viola Park, known for their handcrafted yet modular approach. The townhouse at 23 Downing promises to be an thoughtfully designed contemporary oasis on a discrete and tree-lined street in the heart of New York’s West Village.