Park Ave and 64th Street NYC Co-op Remodel

A few years after designing a complete remodel for our client’s first Park Avenue residence in New York City, they opted to sell it and upgrade to a larger apartment home. Also located on Park Avenue in Manhattan, our clients purchased this larger unit several blocks south and on a desirable corner providing windows on two sides.

Having enjoyed working with them on the first project, we were eager to take on this assignment of designing an even more in-depth complete remodel. This involved removing all of the existing finishes down to the structure as well as removing several walls, adding new ones, designing and specifying all new finishes, fixtures, kitchen design, HVAC equipment, ductwork, plumbing, and electrical fixtures.

Designing and building in New York City and, especially in a building constructed in the 1880s, poses many challenges not normally encountered in other locations. Among these include understanding a building with a floor construction having a limited thickness to run utilities such as plumbing pipes and electrical conduit in a layer of loose-fill insulation.

Any relocated plumbing fixtures must be located to assure adequate pitch for new horizontal piping to meet existing vertical pipe which then penetrate the floors of the building. All architectural design and mechanical engineering had to be approved by, not only the City of New York but also the building’s construction manager. Delivery of equipment was also coordinated and required a separate permit from the City in order to temporarily close one lane of Park Avenue in order to hoist up by crane the new kitchen cabinets and appliances.

Escorted by an elevator attendant and arriving on their floor, the elevator door opens into their private foyer. The foyer then flows into a large living room with a wall of windows overlooking Park Avenue. Off the living room is a spacious dining room adjacent to a large, gourmet kitchen with a large island and new custom Italian imported Gullo cabinets and appliances. The kitchen includes an eating area, coffee bar area, and access to a rear stair and freight elevator.

Down the hall from the kitchen are a pantry, a laundry room, and a maid’s room with a private bathroom. Located at the other end of the residence is a bedroom wing containing the master suite with his and hers bathrooms and walk-in closets, a second bedroom used as an office with a private bathroom, and a third bedroom with a private bathroom for guests.