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Manhattan Pre-War Apartment Renovation | 895 West End Ave
About This Renovation
For this Manhattan pre-war classic six renaissance palazzo apartment renovation, the clients wanted to pay homage to the original historic details while mixing in contemporary touches. The apartment is a classic six on the Upper West Side and was in estate condition, having been untouched in some 50-60 years, but the appealing address and architectural charm made this large-scale NYC gut renovation worth the undertaking. At the same time, the clients were keen to utilize budget-conscious decisions where feasible. We worked closely to determine their design priorities and make practical recommendations without losing sight of aesthetic considerations, while also bringing to life their vision for a modernized home with nods to its pre-war roots.
Fun Fact: Our renovations added nearly $1 million in value to this apartment, which was featured in the New York Times.
Project at a glace
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Design Details
The transitional aesthetic, which pairs classic choices with modern touches, is ideal for pre-war apartment renovations. In this kitchen renovation, in-set Shaker-style cabinets open and close flush with the frame instead of over it, a design feature of pre-war English-style kitchens. The champagne-colored pull handles offer a contemporary sense of contrast, while the matching quartz countertops and backsplash pull the look together.
For the final touch of our luxury kitchen design, we built a breakfast nook into the kitchen area, opting for an open shelf along the sink instead of another hanging cabinet. The openness creates design cohesion between the kitchen and nook, enhancing the usability of both. Many of the upgrades, such as the crown and base moulding, are brand new, but crafted to be visually period-specific.
We also updated two bathrooms in this Manhattan pre-war apartment renovation. The shimmering modern subway tiles bring a timeless New York City sensibility, while the glass-paned shower and floating double vanity creates a spa-like atmosphere in one bathroom. In the other, large marble tiles visually animate the main floor, while penny tiles offer smaller-scale contrast in the shower.
Forgiving Flooring
The Manhattan apartment renovation required new floors in the kitchen, new tiles in the bathrooms, and refinished floors throughout the rest of the space. A darker stain was chosen for the refinishing, providing a nice contrast against the overall lighter tones throughout the apartment that’s also accurate for the pre-war period.
The refinished flooring is one area where we were able to guide our clients toward a smarter use of budget, as refinishing existing floors is a fraction of the cost of putting in brand new ones. The dark stain was specifically selected for its forgiving nature, hiding the scratches and other wear-and-tear of 100 years spent lining an apartment floor.
From Pre-War to Modern Day
Virtually all pre-war renovations which have not been previously remodeled in any way share the need to replace outdated plumbing and electricity. To add to the undertaking, this particular Manhattan pre-war apartment renovation was also in estate condition, necessitating a complete redo of all plumbing and electrical. The original walls were also fairly damaged, requiring a great deal of skim coating. As usual, replacing plaster walls and dealing with the unpredictable effects of inconsistent or nonexistent upkeep were challenges par for the pre-war course in this renovation, allowing our expertise in New York City’s pre-war properties to shine.
Some Highlights
- In-set cabinets for a classic pre-war English kitchen look
- Newly built-in areas, including a breakfast nook in the kitchen and custom closets
- Recessed lights throughout the space
- True gut renovation from estate condition, meaning almost everything was completely redone
- The apartment’s amazing views of the Hudson River!
Considering a pre-war apartment renovation in NYC? View our portfolio of pre-war apartment renovation before and afters, learn more about Gallery, or contact us today.
We are a New York Times-featured design-build firm in New York City with a full-service approach to residential renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn that includes everything from interior design and architectural services to facilitating building management and board approval, to construction and construction management. We’re experts in renovating kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, millwork, and all that falls in between. Let us bring your dream home to life.
BEFORE
AFTER
NYC RENOVATION FAQS
For a full apartment of about 1,700 square feet, construction typically runs five to six months. Design, board approval, and permitting come first and usually take four to six months, so most full renovations move from first consultation to move-in in 10 to 12 months. Scope, building rules, and how much infrastructure is being replaced set where a project falls in that range.
Read More: How Long To Renovate An Apartment In NYC?
The construction portion of a full kitchen renovation typically takes 7 to 11 weeks. Door to door, the timeline depends mostly on the building: about 10 to 14 weeks in a private townhouse, 14 to 20 weeks in a condo, 16 to 24 weeks in a post-war co-op, and 20 to 30 weeks in a pre-war co-op, where board and engineering review take longer. Gallery KBNY orders custom cabinetry, stone, and long-lead appliances during design and approvals, so materials arrive ready for the build.
Read More: How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation in NYC Take? A 2026 Timeline Breakdown
The construction portion of a bathroom renovation typically takes three to four weeks. Gallery KBNY renovates bathrooms as part of larger interior renovations, so bathroom work is sequenced alongside the rest of the apartment within the overall project schedule.
Learn More: Our NYC Bathroom Renovations
Board review and execution of the alteration agreement typically take 6 to 10 weeks in a post-war co-op and 8 to 14 weeks in a pre-war co-op, where asbestos filings, electrical load letters, and engineering review add steps. DOB permits usually run at the same time. A complete package with full technical drawings and specifications tends to clear the building's reviewing architect in one or two rounds, which keeps the approval phase on schedule.
Get Into The Specifics: In-Depth Co-Op Board Approval Process For Complex NYC Renovations: What to Expect
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