Renovating in Greenwich Village presents a rare opportunity to modernize some of New York City’s most storied homes, all while maintaining the charm that makes them iconic. From landmarked brownstones and Federal-style townhouses to pre-war apartment buildings and historic co-ops, Greenwich Village is defined by preservation via self-expression. These same qualities, however, make renovations in the neighborhood no easy feat.
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That’s where a design-build firm with deep Greenwich Village expertise becomes essential. Unlike conventional renovation approaches that separate design, architecture, and construction, a design-build model unifies every phase under one accountable team. In a neighborhood governed by some of Manhattan’s most restrictive Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) regulations, this synergy is critical.
Gallery specializes in guiding Greenwich Village homeowners, brownstone and townhouse owners, and pre-war apartment residents through complicated renovations that require regulatory fluency, architectural sensitivity, and technical expertise. Our approach allows clients to modernize century-old construction while preserving the original details that define Village living - moldings, staircases, fireplaces, façades, and scale.

Greenwich Village renovations are rarely straightforward. The neighborhood’s storied history means projects often involve various approvals, aging building infrastructure, and tight square footage that challenge traditional renovation models.
A design-build approach is uniquely suited to Greenwich Village because every service required for such complicated scenarios is under one roof, working in tandem from start to finish. Rather than managing separate architects, contractors, preservation consultants, and expeditors, homeowners work directly with a unified team working toward one shared outcome.


This model directly addresses the Village’s most common renovation challenges, including:
Because Greenwich Village projects often require collaboration between architects, preservation consultants, structural engineers, and filing specialists, Gallery’s design-build approach provides continuity from early feasibility through DOB sign-off. This means less delays, eliminating miscommunication, and protecting the integrity of your historic home.
See More: View Our Full Design-Build Process From Start to Finish
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Gallery’s all-inclusive design-build renovation model is tailored specifically for Greenwich Village’s distinctive building types and regulatory environment.

Greenwich Village brownstones demand a careful balance between preservation and modernization. We lead full-scale brownstone renovations that honor original architectural character while reconfiguring layouts to meet contemporary living needs, often within tight, vertical floor plans.
Our brownstone expertise includes common structural and material challenges such as:
We also manage brownstone additions and cellar excavations, including underpinning, rear-yard expansions, and vertical additions - navigating egress requirements, zoning constraints, and LPC approvals while ensuring the streetscape remains intact.
More To Consider: NYC Brownstone Renovations 101: What to Know & Where to Start

Working within the Greenwich Village Historic District can be challenging, as almost every exterior change requires careful review. Thankfully, Team Gallery fully understands:Greenwich Village brownstones demand a careful balance between preservation and modernization. We lead full-scale brownstone renovations that honor original architectural character while reconfiguring layouts to meet contemporary living needs, often within tight, vertical floor plans.
From sourcing historically appropriate wood windows to selecting compatible mortar compositions, we execute landmark work with precision, blending traditional construction techniques with modern performance expectations.
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Greenwich Village pre-war buildings come with unique systems and constraints. Our team is experienced in working with:
We also manage the complexities of co-op renovations, including alteration agreements, engineering documentation, and scheduling within strict building hours.
From a pre-war design standpoint, we specialize in historic modernization - exposing original brick, restoring hardwood floors, and integrating modern lighting, custom HVAC systems, and smart home systems without compromising architectural character.
Dig Deeper: In-Depth Co-Op Board Approval Process For Complex NYC Renovations: What to Expect
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Designing luxury kitchens and bathrooms in Greenwich Village requires creativity and technical expertise. We routinely work within narrow layouts, awkward dimensions, and buildings with limited mechanical capacity. Our approach includes:
From LPC applications to final inspections, Gallery manages every detail - coordinating consultants, scheduling work around building restrictions, and ensuring each renovation respects both regulatory requirements and neighborhood character.
See For Yourself: Our Full Renovation Before & After Portfolio

While our portfolio boasts many Greenwich Village renovations, below are a few of our favorites.
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The homeowners at 17 Cornelia Street owned a unique duplex-style residence in the heart of Greenwich Village, consisting of a first-floor apartment and a cellar level connected by an existing spiral staircase. While technically functional, the stair was narrow, steep, and more like a ladder than a true transition between levels. As the clients began planning for a growing family, this arrangement was neither practical nor suitable for long-term living. Beyond the staircase, the home lacked a genuine sense of connection between floors, as the cellar felt isolated rather than integrated, limiting usability despite such a generous footprint.
With these challenges in mind, the homeowners turned to Gallery. What began as a staircase-focused inquiry evolved into a full design-build renovation of both levels, led from architectural drawings through construction. Their goal was a thoughtful, permanent solution that would not only replace the staircase, but reimagine the residence as a cohesive, family-oriented duplex with safe circulation, improved flow, and elevated design. View the full renovation before and after.

This Greenwich Village co-op renovation involved the combination of two adjacent one-bedroom apartments to create a more spacious, refined home with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and unified outdoor living. Gallery led a full design-build gut renovation—preserving one recently updated guest bath—while reconfiguring layouts and seamlessly merging the two deck spaces. The result is an elegant, cohesive residence designed for long-term comfort, elevated living, and everyday functionality within a classic Village building. View the full renovation before and after.

Located on Jane Street in Greenwich Village, this apartment renovation transformed an outdated interior into a bright, refined home that balances clean modern design with warmth and character. Gallery led the full design-build scope, updating the kitchen, bathroom, and flooring, creating a custom closet, and developing creative lighting solutions to meet the clients’ specific needs within a pre-war building. The result is a cohesive, modernized residence that feels both elevated and true to its historic Village setting. View the full renovation before and after.
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Considering a renovation in Greenwich Village? Consider Gallery as your trusted renovation partner and single point of accountability, guiding you through complex historic renovation decisions with clarity and confidence.
We streamline the LPC approval process, manage work in occupied buildings with minimal disruption, and deliver refined results that respect both architecture and lifestyle. Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your property, goals, and timeline, discovering how our full-service design-build approach can bring your Greenwich Village home to life.
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