Morris Adjmi Architects

This residential building on the corner of Orange and Henry Streets in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District comprises a three-story brick addition built on a two-story rehabilitated nineteenth-century masonry structure. 

Constructed in 1896, the lower building had been dramatically transformed by countless renovations and scarred by years of neglect. A careful restoration has returned the crumbling brick façade to its original condition, restoring its lost fenestration with new historically-inspired storefronts, accentuating previously obscured masonry ornament, and revealing granite detailing as well as a bluestone cornice cap. A historically accurate and contextually appropriate rounded metal corner column and new entry complete the restoration.

Inside, the existing building has been divided into two floors to provide space for a new retail outlet along Henry Street, a three-bedroom apartment above, and a unique three-story maisonette that features two garden levels and a private entry on Orange Street. 

To preserve the character of the historic building, the new volume is clearly distinguished by a contrasting brick coloring and projecting windows whose metal frames match the storefronts below. The addition’s three full-floor apartments feature exposure on three sides, wide-plank wood floors, custom cabinetry, and refined finishes.