ABOUT THIS RENOVATION

A recent project found us renovating a beautiful pre-war co-op apartment at 91 Central Park West. The building, established in 1929, was designed by famed NYC architectural firm Schwartz & Gross, whose work also includes The Mark Hotel and many of the Neo-Renaissance residential buildings along Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, and Central Park West. Our client purchased the unit in solid shape but the unique layout required quite a bit of ingenuity to meet their specific needs which prioritized a commercial-quality kitchen, enhanced office space, along with various other upgrades that required a fine touch.

RECONFIGURATION REQUIRED 

Classic sevens typically have an old butler’s pantry built into the layout that can create complications when trying to find the ideal configuration during a full-scale kitchen renovation. When the client initiated conversations they informed us making the most of this tricky space was vital but they weren’t sure how because an updated layout wasn't exactly obvious. In order to facilitate the client's request for a larger kitchen, we needed to modify the layout of the powder room, move the laundry area, as well as relocate the stove and the associated gas line. This updated layout also required the relocation of the existing electrical panel. We also adjusted entryways into the apartment and living room for enhanced ingress into the adjusted kitchen and an optimal transitional experience.

COMMERCIAL-GRADE KITCHEN WITH RESIDENTIAL APPEAL  

Our clients made it known from the beginning they love to cook and bake, making the kitchen a priority of their renovation. With an enhanced layout in place our goal with the kitchen space was to create something that could take a lot of abuse. This meant Gallery’s design team needed to conceptualize a chef-quality kitchen that balanced architectural aesthetics and commercial toughness. To accomplish the juxtaposed look, we integrated a stainless steel sink and countertops specifically requested by the client, then complimented the tactile design further with a splice of butcher block countertop integrated into the stainless steel countertops, on the corners. We also updated all kitchen flooring with a durable European white oak to sustain maximum traffic.

ENHANCED PANTRY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

Opposite of the kitchen is a built-in pantry with a focal point wine rack, featuring a custom teal color and stunning custom millwork. Below, notice the attention to detail delivered by the hand-painted tiles in the backsplash. The clients wanted to make use of 100-plus-year-old tiles purchased from the Netherlands while on a family trip. We recommended including them in the enhanced pantry which required our coordination team to secure and source matching subway tile to frame-in these revered relics while narrowing in on specific paint techniques and border colors. The result was a period-specific renovation with personalized touches that the client was thrilled with.

POWDER ROOM IMPROVEMENT

Another main area of improvement from this Upper West Side apartment renovation is the powder room, which got a total overhaul and layout reconfiguration. In efforts to offer as much room as possible we moved the toilet and sink for a more open flow, then leveraged the somewhat awkward niche in the space by relocating the vanity into that nook. We also added a new pocket door for more convenient entry. Notice how well the taupe Chinois Our Way wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries compliments the adjusted space.

ADDITIONAL UPDATES 

• Office Overhaul: Beyond the kitchen, another priority for our clients was updating their office space, since they work from home. To make the space more practical, we added in various built-in bookshelves with completely custom millwork and custom colors. 

• Replaced Crown & Base Moulding Throughout 
• Relocated & Rebuilt Laundry Space 
• Soundproof Flooring w/Vibrator Isolation Pads 
• Relocated & Replaced Electrical Panel 
• Various New Closets Built
• Multiple Windows Replaced 
• New Hardware Throughout

Considering an apartment renovation in Central Park West? For inspiration, consider these 8 Factors To Consider When Renovating In NYC. View our portfolio of apartment renovation before and afters, learn more about Gallery, or simply contact us today.

We are an award-winning design-build firm in New York City with a full-service approach to residential renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn that includes everything from interior design and architectural services to facilitating building management and board approval, to construction and construction management. We’re experts in pre-war renovations, apartment combinations, full gut renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, and all that falls in between. Let Gallery bring your dream home to life.