A Historic Brooklyn Townhouse Was Renovated Twice, But This Version Rightfully Preserves Its Past

Sometimes new doesn’t mean improved. That’s the sentiment Melissa Lee and Erika Chou of Bespoke Only took away from their first tour of a family townhouse in Boerum Hill, which is known for its historic brownstones. “The renovation reflected a rather stark and contemporary design,” Melissa, the founder and principal of the firm, remembers. “This felt uncharacteristic of its roots.”

Set on what Melissa says is “one of the most quintessential, tree-lined blocks in Brooklyn,” the rows of homes look like billowing accordions on either side of the street, where neighbors often refer to their surroundings as an enduring village within the city. And yet, the push to sell this property stripped it of the characteristics that make this area desirable. There were plenty of things to catch the eye but nothing that spoke to the soul.