The Adelphi Street Brownstone is located on a landmarked block in Fort
Greene, Brooklyn. The original building is a typical Italianate
brownstone dating back to 1858. At a later date, its four floors were
reconfigured into a double duplex for two families. Such a configuration
appealed to the client - my family - my husband, any possible
children, and my parents, both of whom are painters.
A rear addition was proposed at the lower duplex to add more square
footage to my parents' space. They requested that their studios be on
separate floors; one listens to music, the other listens to the news.
The studio for my father, who desires privacy and utilizes natural light
in his work, was positioned at the rear of the garden floor. His studio
opens to the sunken terrace. My mother, who does not mind a more public
work space and works by artificial light, has her studio at the front
end with eastern exposure on the parlor floor. One passes through her
studio to arrive at the living space which is oriented towards the deck
and garden.
The entire renovation included the addition with new glazing, new
windows at the upper duplex, new partitions at the lower duplex, two new
kitchens and baths, new flooring, a new roof, and three new outdoor
spaces.