HARLEM BROWNSTONE Owner: Gwin Location: Harlem, NY Completion Year: 2009

A young New York City Manhattan couple plan to relocate to historic Harlem recently purchased a brownstone. The once grand house converted to a rooming house that suffered years of neglect common to the neighborhood, which went through economic changes over the years. The new owners intend to restore the house to a single family dwelling while preserving and restoring much of the original detail. The design challenge for the 3000 square feet building involves significant masonry restoration, complete replacement of services, new bathrooms and kitchen, restoration of existing details, and landscaping a large south garden.  While the owners wish to preserve the historic character of the building they are enthusiastic modernists and wish for a twenty-first century city living space.