Astor Court Residence

The Project is a gut renovation in an Upper West Side historic landmark building, developed by John Jacob Astor’s circa 1910. This building was designed as a multi-tenant residential apartment building at a time when the Astors were developing hotels in New York City. Our goal was to update and modernize the apartment while maintaining details that harkens back to a period of traditional grandeur. The residence consists of a Master Bedroom, a Master Bathroom, Two Bedrooms, Living Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Bathrooms, Powder Room and Main Entry.

Updating this residence for the 21st century was a multi-layered process. The entire apartment was stripped down to its bare walls. Traditional details were documented for replacement. Doorways in the Central Hall were raised to align with the window headers for a stronger connection from room to room and allow daylight to pour deeper into the apartment. The interior millwork details were archivally recorded, removed, reinstalled, and improved upon. The apartment was updated with conveniences that reflect a modern lifestyle. All new power and data wiring were installed for new appliances, communication and architectural lighting.

A seldom used formal Dining Room was converted to a Family Room. A large opening to the kitchen further integrated this redefined Family Room, framed along the top in Clerestory Glass. A Media Cabinet was placed behind the sink and facing the Family Room, enhances the intimate relationship between the two spaces. A dining table, which opens up into a 10 seater, was placed in the Kitchen. A removable center island was designed to be on castors for easy relocation. The Kitchen is designed with milk paint cabinets from Crown Point. Black granite is used for the Kitchen counter tops. 3-D tiles from County Floors were used as accent points along the Kitchen back splash of the kitchen range and sink.

Master Bathroom Slabs of limestone are used for the tub, floor, and vanity, with mahogany wood. A custom designed mirror and sink vanity showcases the British fittings of Czech & Speake, which are used also for the bath. In the Second Bathroom seashell with that ban wainscot tile in aqua and greens reflect a nautical theme.

In the Living Room a new wooden Mantle was constructed, extending to the ceiling, and enhances the room’s monumentality.