Inside A Light-Flooded Oasis In TriBeCa

Significant design from two centuries—the 19th and 21st—combine in this bright, sophisticated home in a historic building on an iconic cobblestone street in the dynamic neighborhood of TriBeCa.

Architect Charles C. Haight—revered for his designs in New York City and on the campuses of Columbia and Yale—crafted the original designs of the building, which was constructed in 1882 as a bookbindery but also reportedly served as headquarters for silver, toy, steel, and wool companies over the years. CetraRuddy Architects transformed the building’s entire interiors, preserving their historic character while remaining fully rooted in modernity—all while aspiring toward LEED certification, which focuses on sustainable, healthy, efficient, and approachable green construction. San Francisco’s Douglas Durkin, tapped by Architectural Digest for their annual list of 100 elite designers, helmed the aesthetic revival of the 3,950-square-foot home. The landscaping virtuosos at HM White created the building’s courtyard, which offers residents a bucolic natural retreat in the heart of the city that never sleeps.

The home enjoys a coveted corner of its timeless building, and the light provided by multiple exposures combines with soaring ceilings to conjure an unparalleled sense of openness and brightness. A generous open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen is the anchor of the home, with appointments that will please any chef or entertainer: a marble island with counter seating, superior stainless-steel appliances, abundant areas for lounging and chatting, and both formal dining space and a comfortable casual space with a custom banquette. Each lovely and filled with light, the four bedrooms are restful oases with en suite baths and spacious closets. The owner’s suite includes a quiet space for relaxing and movie watching; its bath is fittingly spa-like, with heated floors and towel racks, a multi-head shower, and an indulgent tub designed for a soothing soak. Walls and lighting appropriate for an expertly curated art collection and built-in speakers are among the other contemporary conveniences.

CetraRuddy ensured the contentment and ease of their building’s denizens, providing a 24-hour door attendant, concierge and valet services, a resident manager, an indoor lap pool, a landscaped roof terrace, a fitness center, a Turkish bath, a wine cellar, and a discreet underground garage. The TriBeCa neighborhood, a former industrial district, is known for classic buildings magnificently converted to host unique shops and chic residences. It offers congenial sidewalk cafes, outstanding restaurants, leading galleries, theaters, entertainment venues, and a refreshing trail along the riverfront.

This article was originally published in Sotheby’s International Realty’s Extraordinary Living Blog.