Brooklyn Townhouse:
Brooklyn, New York

Situated in the heart of the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, 170 Hicks Street had been a vacant eyesore for about 20 years until a local developer turned the six-story townhouse into residential condominiums.

 

Both the developer and Martin Brandwein worked closely with the Brooklyn Heights Association and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to insure that the newly renovated building would harmonize with the surrounding townhouses. The exterior renovation resulted in rebuilding the stoop and formal entry, adding new metal railings and windows, and replacing the concrete sidewalk with bluestone.

 

Because the interior was in poor condition and badly divided, the building was largely gutted, and each apartment carefully restored. The new units employ a logical layout of well-proportioned rooms, traditional moldings, and existing fireplaces.  The new public lobby with its oak paneling, marble floors, and hanging pendant lights, was designed to complement the historic character of the building.

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In March of 1997, the New York Landmarks Conservancy awarded the project the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, its highest honor for excellence in historic preservation.