Upper West Side Residence by General Assembly

Situated on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper West Side Residence by General Assembly was conceived in the early 20th century by renowned architect Gaetano Ajello. As a contemporary reimagining of its pre-war predecessor, the abode simultaneously pays homage to the past and present.

Upper West Side Residence is an object lesson in tactful restraint. By way of minimal interventions and thoughtful reorientations, General Assembly has successfully managed to bring the historic home – originally two separate apartments – into the 21st century. As Sarah Zames, one half of General Assembly, explains, the practice took great strides to honour the architectural heritage, holding a mirror to pre-war architectural hallmarks – such as ornate facades, decorative mouldings, cornices, stone carvings and intricate details – through a selection of considered material choices. In a bid to refresh both the soul and bones of the structure, the practice counterbalanced the old-world nods with custom millwork in clean lines and warm tones.

The apartment exudes an abiding sense of lightness made possible by a cavalcade of biomorphic forms and finishes.

The apartment exudes an abiding sense of lightness made possible by a cavalcade of biomorphic forms and finishes. A particular case in point is the kitchen, which channels a meditative air, courtesy of a solid marble island, stone counters and a built-in white oak table. The living room – which the practice expanded with a mind to make it amenable for hosting and entertaining – is similarly subdued, with one coffee table in solid white oak and another in travertine, both bespoke, anchoring the light-filled space.

To keep the attention on the original detailing, General Assembly incorporated built-in storage where possible. This is none more evident than in the dining room, where a bar complete with unlacquered brass cabinets, a marble countertop and a smoked glass mirror takes pride of place beside the dining table. A similar example in function is the hallway, where robust shelves camouflage against plaster walls, belying the hidden drawers and storage below.

Where colour was introduced, it was done so sparingly, as in the bedrooms, which were calmed in mellow hues. The primary suite was enhanced with wallpaper in the entryway, and elsewhere, using deep-toned lime wash and luxurious materials like a custom olive-green headboard and an alpaca rug. The architects parlayed the brooding palette into the primary bathroom with dramatic stone, while using playful pops of colour to animate the children’s bedrooms.

The reoriented layout reflects a desire for modern living while staying true to the past. “The distinct living zones are characteristic of pre-war apartments, but still suited to the clients’ modern lifestyle,” notes Colin Stief, General Assembly’s other half. The end result is a space that effortlessly balances old and new.

Interior design by General Assembly. Build by ALL Construction Group. Structural engineering by Moore Associates LLC.