The renovation involves changes the inward looking character of 100 year old urban home by tearing open the back to provide connections to light, outdoor living and city views. The street facade retains its historical character with its legislated propriety. Meanwhlie, the rear achieves modern goals of casual living adapting the relaxed freewheeling attitude typical of backyards everywhere. The nostalgic stiffness of the traditional parlors deepens by contrast to the uninhibited modern spaces at the rear. From here open stairs lead down to a masterbedroom suite with open bath, shower and video screening wall.