RESIDENTIAL / HARLEM
5th Avenue

An enviable park-side location and coveted two-car garage parking hinted at this unassuming Harlem brownstone’s potential; however, the home was fraught with shoddy finishes and layout issues. The challenge for Dixon Projects was clear: How do we redesign this home into a one-of-a-kind modern retreat boasting outdoor space without losing the ultra-desirable private garage parking? The answer: elevation, excavation and expansion. The result: an award-winning renovation

SERVICES:

permits-icon.png Expansion

Restoration & Rehabilitation Restoration & Rehabilitation

permits-icon.png Architecture

permits-icon.png Construction & Procurement

Award-Winning Property Award-Winning Property

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Elevation: Despite the fact this home faces a spacious park, the team was intent on creating private outdoor space to enjoy. The floorplan was extended upwards and a penthouse was added to provide access to the new roof deck, complete with a pergola and conveniently served by a wet bar. A personal elevator travels from this new extension to the fully redesigned cellar for easy access to all areas of this home.

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Original brick archways set the scene for a massive cellar renovation that would give this home its wow factor. The team excavated and underpinned the foundation to create an in-home spa experience, complete with a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and wet bar.

Sauna spa room
Indoor pool

Expansion

A new rear extension and redesign of the existing garage created a sleek modern entrance with a bonus “in-law” suite on top. Chic green bricks and cedar slat details adorn this new addition, expertly matched to the existing green cornices on the main house, but different enough to stand as an independent structure. The cherry on top? A second outdoor oasis/roof deck to enjoy.
Luxury garage facade

The majority of the original staircase, railings and spindles were unsalvageable, with the exception of the main newel post at the parlor level entry. The team replicated all damaged millwork and seamlessly incorporated them with the existing newel post to restore this home’s history. Similarly, the team recreated the front entry doors from the original doors’ design and laid herringbone hardwood floors and custom wainscoting throughout as a masterful way to blend old with new.

Open concept dining room

From a meager, rundown residence to a jaw-dropping domicile, this rare Manhattan gem perfectly encapsulates Harlem’s transition into a new era.

Explore our collection of 2017 award-winning home renovation designs.

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