Project: Greenwich Village Townhouse Development
Architecture: K-DA Architecture
Design Team: Tom Klaber, Andrea Guatta Caldini
Contractor: Round Square Builders
Structural: Severud Engineers
Location: New York City, United States
Area: 7500 ft2
Year: 2021
Photo Credits: Christian Haeder
The luxury single-family New York City townhouse development at 137 West 13th Street was a prime opportunity for RoundSquare Development. They reached out to us to design the residence and work to maximize its value. The challenge was to modernize the 20’ wide, five-story townhouse while retaining its historic facade and cast-iron railings. The end result was an exceptionally refined residence with a timeless but contemporary style.
The Greenwich Village townhouse spans 7,400 square feet and features five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, three powder rooms, five separate outdoor spaces, and a full-floor primary suite. The staircase, which wraps around the elevator, acts as the architectural centerpiece of the home.
To expand the townhouse’s sellable and livable square footage, the team excavated 20’ below street level to create a cellar level. This allowed for a lower garden level and a hidden roof addition. Despite being located in one of NYC’s many historic districts, the design team worked tirelessly to develop a plan that would be approved by the Landmarks Commission. The team’s aggressive strategy to dig down and expand the cellar was key to maximizing the site’s potential while respecting the historical context.
Throughout the project, the team took care to integrate a clean, modern aesthetic while maintaining the historical facade and original stoop. The restoration is a seamless integration of historic details and modern finishes, with every aspect of the design being thoughtfully considered. The townhouse is a perfect example of how to balance modern luxury with historical context.
This project is a testament to the value of carefully planned and executed development in New York City. The refined design, spacious floor plan, and impressive outdoor spaces are sure to attract high-end buyers looking for a luxury living experience in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Parlor Floor
Upon entering the parlor floor of 137 West 13th Street, the architectural details flow seamlessly. The dramatic sitting room, partitioned off from the entry by the floor-to-ceiling black steel framed glass pocket doors, features a gas fireplace and an interior glass panel which leads the eye to the focal point of the home – the gorgeous wall of Optimum doors and windows overlooking the garden.
The large eat-in kitchen overlooks the garden. The chef’s kitchen features Spectrum cabinetry in ebonized walnut with glass inlay uppers and a massive island with waterfall countertops in a coarse Courtado Gris stone. The industrial vented hood is dramatically ensconced in Kirkby slate. The kitchen is complete with an extensive suite of Meile appliances, including 48” wide refrigerator, six burner range with a fully vented hood, two dishwashers, and wine refrigerator. The kitchen area comfortably allows seating for 10 and is set against a whitewashed brick wall original to the home.
Completing this floor is a powder room with Nero Marquina vanity and an exterior balcony just off of the kitchen with stairs leading to the garden.
Garden Floor
The garden floor features an exceptional living room with 10’ 11” ceilings. The entry into this living room is through a set of black steel and glass doors giving way to a beautiful view of the lush garden through the glass curtain wall. This massive living room features its own gas fireplace. And is complete with its own powder room boasting Shinnoki wood panels and a Nero Marquina marble vanity along with a separate guest bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom.
The private garden has been designed for entertaining with a plumbed gas grill, a gas fireplace, lush landscaping, outdoor speakers and plenty of space for designated dining and sitting areas.
Cellar Floor
Excavation on the site during renovation not only allowed for 9’ ceilings but also expanded the cellar approximately 24’ to nearly the full depth of the 20’ x 103’ lot. This created fully functional living spaces and additional square footage for an amenity driven lifestyle in the convenience of your own home.
The cellar level features a stunning screening room, a game room with light well, home gym, infrared sauna by Sunlighten with an adjacent shower, powder room, laundry room and a wine room with humidification (to be completed based upon owner preferences).
Third Floor
The entrance to the full floor primary bedroom suite is through yet another set of floor-to-ceiling black steel and glass doors. The garden facing bedroom allows for a quiet respite and also features its own balcony. Dual walk-in custom white oak closets separate the sleeping quarters from the expansive primary bathroom.
The southern facing bathroom boasts Novella Creama limestone slabs with a double sink vanity, enormous medicine cabinets and heated floors. The vanity drawers are clad in limestone as well to create a seamless aesthetic. Adding to the drama of this luxuriously appointed bathroom is a sumptuous marble carved freestanding tub flanked by the water closet and shower, again enclosed by floor-to-ceiling black steel and glass doors.
Fourth Floor
The fourth floor consists of two king-sized secondary bedrooms each with en-suite bathroom, all consistent with the home’s aesthetic. A second laundry room with storage completes this floor.
Fifth Floor
This level consists of a decadent home office, with an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace. The home office can also serve as the fifth bedroom. A wet bar replete with an ice machine, an undercounter refrigerator and sink sit adjacent to the generous south facing roof terrace.
Additional features of this home include 12” wide plank European oak flooring throughout, integrated sound system in all common rooms and the primary suite, full home automation controlled by Savant for Lutron lighting, shades, and climate control. All home systems and mechanicals are brand new, including the Trane HVAC system with 12 multiple zones on each floor.
Centrally situated on a beautiful tree-lined block, 137 West 13th is one of a few remaining houses on West 13th built by Stephen B. Peet in 1845 during the Greek Revival period. Its West Village location offers ease of access to multiple transportation lines, fine dining, shops and all desired conveniences.
