Name: Bob
Location: Tribeca
Size: 1200 sqft loft
Years lived in: 22 years
Bob is, as he says, "good at small problem solving." He enjoys "looking at what's there and deciding what's necessary to get it in good shape." So it seems to follow that when, in 1985, he and Maxine learned of a century old,
wholesale warehouse on the 2nd floor of a Chambers Street industrial building, Bob was thrilled and ready to take it on...
A showcase for those who transform their residences into homes
via innovative intervention
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Together with his brother, father, an engineer friend, and partner Maxine, Bob transformed the 1200 sqft. space into a 2 bedroom, beautiful home in record time.
In just 4 months they laid a raised floor in the front part of the apartment, repainted and repaired the original tin walls and ceiling, freed the French window shutters, installed a duplex bedroom in the center for Maxine's daughter, a bedroom for themselves in the rear, an office for Maxine, an alcove workspace for Bob, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.
While Bob's friend, father, and brother were construction savvy, Bob and Maxine, had no building experience. Bob insists, however, that he acquired an extensive knowledge of plumbing and electrical circuits as a result of his chemistry professor status.
Bob's approach to the logistics of converting the space was to DIY on the labor, and to use inexpensive but durable materials found locally. Some of his sources are no longer downtown, but a surprising number have survived. Many ideas came from fellow pioneering loft dwellers while others from passing by great sources on and around Canal Street.
As far as the design of the layout, Bob was very intent on creating unexpected nooks on multiple levels (to take advantage of the 12.5 ft ceilings), and to create as many 45-degree angles as possible. Unlike the typical cavernous loft that has become the standard since the mid-1990's, Bob and Maxine have carved a very versatile home, capable of providing privacy for a number of people simultaneously.
There are multiple rooms, and a diversity of spaces in which to celebrate their obvious love of music and books. The result is a bevy of surprises within a very pragmatic living environment.
AT Survey
Favorite element: The original features of the space--wooden shutters and tin ceilings and walls.
Motto: "Give me a space with a couple of restraints"
Resources:
The rolling ladder in the den comes from Putnam Rolling Ladder on Howard Street.
The tin shelving in the den came from B&Z in Soho.
The granite from the new incarnation of the kitchen is from SMC Stone in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Originally posted April 27, 2005
wonderful to see some real engineering going on here, not just dressed up furniture! But that rolling ladder is awesome too.
I have a question. Why are New Yorkers so fond of parquet flooring? I see it all the time in spaces that I would otherwise luuurve. Why?
I think it has to do with the vintage of the installation. I see it most often in 1980's construction. Can't say why it is more common to NYC, but I do believe that to be the case.
I think because it's so realtors/builders can say "real wood floors" and not lie.
I love the overall look of this place. I've always wanted tiled risers on wood steps. But I just don't like the pipe handrail. It seems like an afterthought. But the harpsicord made me nostalgic. I grew up with one and I love it's sound.
It's an old hippy's house, very '70s. You can't go wrong with those old library ladders, though....
All I could think was how much work it will be for the next person to tear everything out, including the tiled risers and the awful phoney parquet floors
Nice ladder and desk nook. Granite countertop also cool. Best intervention was re-exposing the shutters.
Pipe rail looks weak so the music room could have been better defined. Parquet clashes with nice planking underneath. I love huge floor to ceiling bookacases but corner could work better.
Jeez, (some) people... these folks are opening their homes out of genuine pride and love... some respect, maybe?
You know, this home keeps a good balance between being a wide open loft and becoming more classic New York apartment. The tin ceiling and original details are all great... Very cool... I love these little house tours!
My in-laws have a very similar look in their apartment-- they were among the 'orginal' settlers of what is now Soho. Everyone who sees the apartment just loves it-- it is so real and so reflects who they are and provides a nice contrast to the glass towers/condos that are encroaching on the neighborhood.
view saleboat's profile
love the space and open floor plan!!!
ebrown,
i don't think many new yorkers are fond of parquet flooring. i think people move into a space and either don't have the money to replace it or just decide to live with it. i don't have a single friend here in nyc that thinks it's attractive.
the oriental rugs and colonial feel of the furnishings are such a dichotomy to a ny loft space. it just doesn't seem to belong in a soho loft. to me it's somewhat like decorating an ultra-modern, streamlined space with a country theme.
the original tin on the celing and walls may be original to the space, but to me, look a bit too battered.
i have to agree with bob on gutting the space.
view jeffnyc's profile
back in the day when musicians and artists moved into tribeca, this is what it looked like. This is great and reminds me of homes of some high school friends back in the 80s. Would I make the same decisions if I were lucky enough to have such a space? probably not. But do I love this house tour? you betcha.
view 212gretchen's profile
oh, and on the "next" occupant-- some 26 year old i-banker will pay a contractor to gut the space. Funny-- doesn't strike me as a tragedy.
Even interior design in New York is darwinian-- people are already thinking about Bob's demise and the tougher stronger richer species ready to take his place.
view 212gretchen's profile
I found the light used in the bedroom window very interesting. We have a dark bedroom as well, and the timer to approximate the sun is a great idea. Any more details?
view shannonr's profile
It is "of an era" to be sure. I do so like the spaciousness (what new yorker wouldn't) and the quirkiness of it. It does have a charm of its own. Love the tiled risers, the elbow pipe rail, the cozy little work-nook. If it were mine, I'd do it differently, with more textiles and soft furnishings to warm up the space, but I appreciate the tour and have downtown loft-envy!
view tahitianpearl's profile
Heavenly. I think Bob must love his home, and it shows...
And Justin, it's hippie, not hippy.
view southender's profile