Preserving Character

This Jersey City brownstone renovation was all about honoring the past while making room for the present. The homeowners wanted to highlight the historic charm of their property, while updating it with modern comforts and an open, livable layout.

The full first-floor remodel centered on four key elements:

A Modern Layout Working alongside an architect, we reimagined the entire floor plan. Structural support was carefully concealed with innovative solutions, leaving behind a wide-open, flowing space. The result is a seamless gathering area perfect for the large-scale entertaining the couple loves.

Flooring with a Story The plan was to restore the original heart pine floors—but years of refinishing had worn them down beyond repair. When we removed them, we uncovered a surprise: the original subfloor, beautifully preserved. Our flooring team brought it back to life, creating a stunning focal point that carries the home’s history forward.

Marble Preservation The owners asked us to save a piece of marble from the foyer. Though cracked and fragile, we carefully lifted it in sections, matched the veins with grout, and polished it to a smooth finish. Now installed in front of the fireplace, the marble’s legacy continues in a new—and stronger—form.

Modern Comfort Installing a central HVAC system in a historic property is rarely simple, but our team devised creative pathways for ductwork that preserved original plaster walls and ceilings. The result is efficient heating and cooling across all three floors, with minimal disruption to the home’s character.

This project became a masterclass in blending eras—proving that with vision and care, modern upgrades can complement and even enhance historic details.

Photo Credit: Megan Maloy Photography