Cobble Hill Greek Revival Merit
Built in the 1840s, this four-story Greek Revival rowhouse in Cobble Hill was heavily modified in the 1880s. Subsequent renovations removed original features and stripped the home of its character. However, an existing and atypical Queen Anne-style mahogany staircase was preserved and served as inspiration for the new design.
From the front facade through to the rear extension, the building morphs from a historic Greek revival townhouse into a modern and individualized family home. The transition can be seen in the paired down millwork details of the kitchen, a space that has long been the bridge between public and private life. The rear extension connects the home to the backyard through a two-story bay window, framing a mature juneberry tree.
Within the rear extension, the owners’ love of Ancient Rome and artist James Turrell is married in an ethereal dome punctuated by a circular skylight. A sculptural mahogany stair connects the garden and parlor floors and draws parallels to the existing Queen Anne staircase.
The home is capped by a reading room wrapped in mahogany millwork, including integrated bookshelves, daybed, and wet-bar. This penthouse was thoughtfully designed to be concealed from the streetscape below, maintaining the historic Cobble Hill rooflines.
Photography:
Photos 1 & 10: The Brooklyn Studio
Photos 2 – 9: Tim Lenz