Upper East Side Renovation General Contractor

Renovating on the Upper East Side of Manhattan requires a sophisticated touch and seasoned expertise. Whether you’re in a spacious apartment in Lenox Hill that needs a more personalized touch or a pre-war co-op in Carnegie Hill that requires a full gut renovation, the collage of residential buildings on the UES offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities that demand meticulous planning and execution upon renovation.

Design-Build Renovation New York City

Award-Winning Upper East Side Renovations

Winner of Houzz awards in service and design.

Gallery KBNY handles full apartment renovations across the Upper East Side, from pre-war co-ops along Fifth and Park to post-war condos in Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, and Lenox Hill. Our design-build model consolidates architecture, interior design, board approvals, permitting, and construction under one roof and one contract, the structure that lets a UES renovation move forward without the homeowner becoming the project manager.

About Gallery KBNY

Gallery KBNY is an award-winning, full-service design-build firm specializing in the architecture, interior design, and renovation of apartments, co-ops, condominiums, townhomes, and lofts across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our integrated team of architects, designers, contractors, and project managers — with a founding partner involved in every project — manages every phase from board approvals and DOB permitting through design and construction. Because architecture, design, permitting, and construction are coordinated under one roof, the process remains streamlined, accountable, and transparent from start to finish. Our work has been recognized by Forbes, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Inc., and we have received Houzz Best of Design & Service seven consecutive years, along with 100+ five-star client reviews.

Upper East Side Sub-Areas

Four Distinct Renovation Markets Within The Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is not one renovation market, it's four. The blocks along Fifth and Park operate under different alteration realities than Carnegie Hill townhouses, and Yorkville's post-war condo stock plays by entirely different rules than Lenox Hill's pre-war co-ops. Here's how the four sub-areas break down.

Area 01

Carnegie Hill

What's Here

Pre-war co-ops, Beaux-Arts townhouses, Gilded Age mansions, and a small number of post-war apartment buildings. Most addresses date from the 1880s through the 1930s, with original architectural detail still intact.

Notable Reference Points

East 86th to East 96th between Fifth and Lexington, including the blocks surrounding the Cooper Hewitt and the Jewish Museum. The Carnegie Hill Historic District covers most of this area.

Renovation Realities

LPC review applies to any work affecting protected exteriors, adding 60 to 90 days to the approval phase. Original infrastructure (cloth wiring, asbestos plaster, corroded plumbing risers) is the rule rather than the exception in pre-1930 buildings.

Area 02

Lenox Hill

What's Here

Mid-rise pre-war co-ops, post-war doorman buildings, and a mix of converted townhouses. Building stock skews 1920s through 1960s, with significant new luxury condo development along Third and Lexington since 2010.

Notable Reference Points

East 60th to East 77th between Fifth and Third, including the corridors around Lenox Hill Hospital, the Park Avenue Armory, and the Frick Collection.

Renovation Realities

Co-op alteration agreements are common and rigorous in this area, with most pre-war buildings requiring detailed engineer review and full architectural plans. Wet-over-dry rules and original riser stack constraints frequently dictate kitchen and bath relocations.

Area 03

Yorkville

What's Here

Post-war condos and rentals, mid-century apartment buildings, and modern luxury developments along the East River. Far less landmarked than the western part of the UES, with newer construction predominating east of Lexington.

Notable Reference Points

East 79th to East 96th east of Lexington, extending to the East River. Includes the corridors near Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion, and the Q train extension along Second Avenue.

Renovation Realities

Newer condos move faster through approvals than the pre-war stock further west, but building engineers in luxury towers scrutinize MEP changes carefully. Building rules around freight elevator access and work hours tend to be strict in newer doorman developments.

Area 04

Fifth & Park Avenue Corridors

What's Here

The most prestigious pre-war co-op stock in Manhattan. Buildings designed by Rosario Candela, J.E.R. Carpenter, and other early-20th-century architects, with classic six-into-eight conversions and large floor plates throughout.

Notable Reference Points

The Fifth Avenue corridor facing Central Park between East 60th and East 96th, and the Park Avenue spine between East 60th and East 96th. Includes the blocks around the Met, the Frick, and the Jewish Museum.

Renovation Realities

These addresses have some of the strictest alteration agreements in Manhattan. Board approvals can take 60 to 120 days, with detailed engineer review of every MEP change. LPC review adds further time on landmarked addresses. The Metropolitan Museum Historic District covers much of the Fifth Avenue corridor.

Brooklyn Design-Build Renovation

WHY CHOOSE GALLERY KBNY FOR
UPPER EAST SIDE RENOVATIONS?

Upper East Side renovations succeed or fail on three things: how cleanly the contractor handles co-op alteration agreements and condo board approvals, how reliably they navigate the pre-war infrastructure realities common in this part of Manhattan, and how thoughtfully they preserve historic detail in landmarked addresses. Here's where Gallery fits.

More Streamlined Than Traditional General Contractors

The default search for "Upper East Side general contractors" returns mostly traditional design-bid-build firms, where the homeowner ends up coordinating between a separate architect, designer, and general contractor with no contractual obligation to each other. That coordination role is far more demanding than most owners anticipate, particularly in pre-war co-ops with strict alteration agreements. Our design-build process consolidates every part of the project under one contract, eliminating handoff gaps and giving the homeowner a single point of accountability. For a deeper comparison of the two models, read What Type Of Contractor Do You Need For An Apartment Renovation In NYC?

Expertise Across All NYC Residential Building Types

Upper East Side building stock is unusually diverse for a single neighborhood. Our portfolio includes pre-war co-op gut renovations along Fifth and Park, post-war condo updates in Yorkville and Lenox Hill, full townhouse renovations in Carnegie Hill, and selective work inside modern luxury towers along York Avenue. Two decades of residential renovation work across Manhattan and Brooklyn has put our team through the structural, mechanical, and historic-preservation realities of every category the UES contains.

Familiarity With Upper East Side Renovations

The Upper East Side operates under regulatory and approval realities that vary block by block. Properties within the Upper East Side Historic District (which runs roughly from East 59th to East 78th between Fifth and Lexington) require LPC review on any work affecting protected exterior elements. Pre-war co-ops along Fifth and Park have some of the strictest alteration agreements in Manhattan. Modern condos along York and First operate under their own building rules. We work exclusively in Manhattan and Brooklyn, which means we know which conditions apply where, before the first DOB filing or LPC application goes in.

Client-First Approach To Full-Service Renovations

A renovation should reflect how the owner actually wants to live, not the architect's portfolio. Our work is calibrated to each client's brief, whether that's a thoughtful alternative to a turnkey purchase or a substantial reconfiguration of a pre-war Fifth Avenue co-op where the original layout doesn't suit modern life. The design is yours; we execute it under one contract with one accountable team.

Considering a Renovation in NYC?

Click to schedule a consultation with one of the principle partners at Gallery, who will hear out your renovation plans and let you know the best way to proceed - whether we end up working together or not.

Schedule Your Consultation

Upper East Side Renovation Services

The reason Upper East Side residents prefer working with Gallery is simple - we do everything so you don’t have to. In more traditional renovation methods, such as hiring a design-bid-build general contractor or interior designer, the homeowner is often responsible for sourcing the additional parties required to complete the job. This also includes handling many of the permits and approvals, plus much of the material sourcing. That’s a lot of work. With a design-build renovation contractor, the renovation experience is much more hands off. That’s because a design-build firm includes all services required for your Upper East Side renovation under one roof.  

Loft renovation Manhattan
Townhouse Renovation New York City

Permit & Board Approval Services

Clients love to hear our design-build services include handling all the red tape involved in their Upper East Side renovation. This complicated process includes reviewing and satisfying the alteration agreement, filing all relevant architectural plans with the Department Of Buildings, and procuring all necessary permits. We also handle all LPC approvals and requirements. In addition, we fully manage the approval process with your building management company and co-op board. This is crucial in neighborhoods like Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, where strict building regulations and historic preservation guidelines often apply. Read more about our board approval and permitting services.

Interior Design Services

Choosing a design-build firm like Gallery over an individual interior designer offers several benefits. In our model, the interior design of your UES renovation is driven by your dedicated in-house interior designer. They handle initial planning and material selection while overseeing procurement and installation, working with our architect, liaisons, and construction managers throughout the process to ensure all design elements are cohesive and functional. This all-inclusive approach provides a smoother and more integrated renovation experience, which is vital when trying to meticulously meet the unique designs our clients require. Our designers also pride themselves on pre-war prowess, making sure historic Upper East Side homes can be restored to their former glory while also being integrated with modern amenities. Learn more about our interior design services.

Townhouse Renovation New York City
Brooklyn Brownstone Renovation

Architectural Services and Expediting

Our in-house architects meticulously plan and draft detailed architectural drawings tailored to your project needs, unique building codes, and specific challenges posed during inspections. From spatial planning to construction documentation, we ensure your designs are not only beautiful but also feasible and code-compliant. Read more on our architectural services and see how our fully-integrated architecture services differentiate from independent architects, who often prioritize their own design, leading to hidden costs and unsettled timelines. For more information on how our full-service approach separates itself from traditional ways of renovating, read What Kind Of Architect Is Best For Your NYC Apartment Renovation?

Material Selection/Procurement Services

Our interior design team curates all finishes and fixtures your project requires – everything from tiles in the bathroom to chandeliers for the foyer and the whole world of finishes and fixtures in between. Our project coordinators then procure every selection, while also handling the logistics of material inspection and delivery. We are not limited in material choices, as we are brand agnostic and able to purchase any item from any vendor, anywhere, on your behalf as our client. Learn more about our material selection and procurement services. 

Brooklyn Apartment Renovation
Brooklyn Apartment Renovation

Lifelike Design Renderings

After materials have been sourced, we create life-like digital renderings of the renovated kitchen and bathrooms. This includes every aspect of the design, from flooring to fixtures, even showing how renovated rooms will look under different lighting settings. These high-end renderings provide a visual accompaniment to the blueprint that guides construction and helps clients tweak final design decisions like paint color or fixture height. The kitchen here is from our Manhattan condo renovation at The Chelsea Mercantile on 252 Seventh Ave. See the completed kitchen directly below.

‍Learn more about how our lifelike design renderings help clients visualize the proposed interior design plan for their Upper East Side apartment renovation.

Construction & Site Management Services

The lynchpin of Gallery’s design-build process is our project managers, who handle all construction and renovation site management services. By working together with our architects and designers, they create customized project plans tailored to clients' unique needs and requirements while also addressing the many logistical and regulatory hurdles that arise renovating older, prestigious buildings on the Upper East Side.

Between initial site review, detailed project plans, risk assessments associated with blending properties, compliance checks, and consistent management of the workforce, our PMs ensure your UES renovation is executed to exceed expectations. This level of coordination is particularly beneficial in areas like Lenox Hill and Sutton Place, where logistical barriers and building regulations can be complex.

Brooklyn Apartment Renovation

Our Process

The Six Stages Of An Upper East Side Renovation

From first conversation to final walk-through, our design-build process moves through six defined stages. Each stage has its own scope, deliverables, and approval points, all coordinated by a single team that stays with the project from start to finish. Below is what the Upper East Side renovation timeline actually looks like.

Stage 01

Discovery & Feasibility

An initial walk-through of the apartment, a conversation about how the owner wants to live, and an honest assessment of what the building, the budget, and the timeline will allow. This stage exists to make sure the project is the right fit before either side commits.

What Happens

On-site assessment, scope conversation, preliminary budget and timeline framing.

Typical Duration

2 to 4 weeks from first contact to signed agreement.

UES-Specific Notes

Pre-war co-op alteration agreements vary widely block by block; we review the specific building's rules during this stage.

Stage 02

Architecture & Design

Our in-house architect produces floor plans, elevations, and detailed construction documents. The interior designer develops the visual direction in parallel, working from the same brief so the architecture and the finishes are coordinated from day one.

What Happens

Floor plans, elevations, MEP coordination, design direction, photorealistic renderings.

Typical Duration

8 to 12 weeks for a typical UES renovation, longer for combinations or townhouses.

UES-Specific Notes

Pre-war riser stack constraints often dictate kitchen and bath relocations on Fifth and Park Avenue addresses.

Stage 03

Material Selection & Procurement

Cabinetry, stone, tile, fixtures, lighting, hardware, and flooring all selected and ordered. Lead times for custom millwork, imported stone, and specialty plumbing fixtures often run 12 to 20 weeks, so this stage starts early and runs parallel to permitting.

What Happens

Material selection, vendor sourcing, sample reviews, purchase orders, lead-time tracking.

Typical Duration

6 to 10 weeks active selection, with procurement running through construction.

UES-Specific Notes

High-end UES projects frequently specify imported stone, custom cabinetry, and Waterworks-tier fixtures with extended lead times.

Stage 04

Permitting, Board Approvals & LPC

Architectural plans submitted to the building's reviewing engineer, the co-op or condo board, and the NYC Department of Buildings. Landmarks Preservation Commission review added where applicable. We handle every filing, every clarification request, and every approval condition.

What Happens

Alteration agreement submission, building engineer review, board approval, DOB filings, LPC review where required.

Typical Duration

8 to 16 weeks, plus 60 to 90 days for LPC review on landmarked addresses.

UES-Specific Notes

Carnegie Hill, Metropolitan Museum, and Henderson Place historic districts each add LPC review on exterior-affecting work.

Stage 05

Construction

Selective demolition through final finish work. Structured into six internal phases (demolition, initial inspections, framing, MEP rough-in, finish carpentry, final inspections) and coordinated by a single project manager who stays on the project from start to finish.

What Happens

Demolition, framing, MEP, finish carpentry, fixtures, flooring, paint, inspections.

Typical Duration

5 to 9 months for full apartment renovations, longer for combinations and townhouses.

UES-Specific Notes

Building rules on freight elevator scheduling, work hours, and protected common areas are stricter on UES pre-war addresses than most of Manhattan.

Stage 06

Final Walk-Through

Final DOB inspections, building sign-off, LPC sign-off where applicable, and a thorough walk-through with the client to confirm every detail matches the approved design. Punch-list items addressed before final handover, and warranty documentation provided at closeout.

What Happens

Final inspections, building sign-off, punch list, warranty documentation, client walk-through.

Typical Duration

2 to 4 weeks from substantial completion to final closeout.

UES-Specific Notes

Co-op boards often require a final inspection by the building engineer before issuing sign-off and releasing alteration agreement deposits.

UPPER EAST SIDE
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

Job description
Full Renovation Of Pre-War Co-Op In Manhattan At 1035 5th Ave Testimonial
PROJECT DATE
March 2024
RATING
RELATIONSHIP

If you are looking to renovate, Gallery is TERRIFIC. Our pre-war, estate-sale purchase needed A LOT of work. Avi from Gallery was fantastic in every way, including: (1) providing a practical budget (what we could/should keep/restore vs. gut), (2) laying out options (we considered at least five vastly different kitchen layouts), (3) sticking to budget, (4) finding creative solutions to every problem (wet over dry, bath conversions to showers), (5) working closely with my building staff and even impressing them! (building has very high expectations and standards). Avi and his team get it done, take pride in their work and are honest and professional. Avi is an unusually special resource and person. He continued to work on our project until it was done right and we were happy. (Now that our project is complete, there are still decisions I waver on and I believe he will help me with those if I choose to pursue them, even after his team is gone). I am convinced that he can accomplish almost anything (he is one of the most creative thinkers around); if he can't, I would challenge you to find another who can....

...read more
Job description
Design-Build Process For The Win
PROJECT DATE
December 2022
RATING
RELATIONSHIP
Client

I started this journey with 1 1970s bathroom that needed renovated and dreams of adding a second bathroom and a kitchen that did utilize all the space. I went through the process of interviewing companies that have a team of people who do design, architect, construction, and permitting. The first 2 companies gave me a quote of only "labor". That absolutely wasn't helpful because I wanted to know how much the entire project would cost. I just needed to wrap my head around the cost of renovating a bathroom, adding a bathroom, moving the laundry room, renovating the kitchen, making my office a proper office but also needing a bed for guests and then on top of all of that, making the closets that I had, useful. When I told Avi this, he told me a rough estimate. It was so REFRESHING to have an idea of what my dream would cost. It was honest and he was creative in solving my bathroom addition and the office/guest bedroom dilemma. His solution - add the bathroom, move the laundry room and create a Murphy bed/desk area that also included a closet. It's perfect and beautiful. So that was Avi, my first encounter with GKB. Then I met Kate. The super hero behind the project. She managed everything. She helped me with colors and faucets and cabinets and all the tiny decisions that come with designing new things. She also worked with the construction crews and plumbers and electricians. She scheduled everything, chased them if they didn't show up on time, gave them very clear instruction to make sure everything was completed to perfection. She hustled and worked extremely hard. Every email was responded to timely and very thoroughly. I met a lot of the people during this process and every, single person that I encountered with GKB was kind, respectful, ready to help out with anything. I absolutely made the right decision in hiring GKB. My project stayed on budget (except when I wanted more), my project stayed on time (minus one tiny shipping delay on cabinets), and my project turned out to be more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. My kitchen is stunning. My office is stunning. My bathrooms are perfect. The laundry room is functional. And every closet utilizes the space in the most efficient way. One last thing about GKB - they have an app. And EVERYTHING is on the app. You will know EXACTLY what you're paying for, you will see pictures of progress, you will sign off on every tiny detail and it is all aggregated on one platform. You don't need to gather receipts and check emails...it's all in the app and it's a game changer. This is my 4th renovation project and GKB is by far the best firm I have ever used. I'm so thankful that I found them! You will be too!

...read more

Featured Upper East Side Renovations

While we have a variety of Upper East Side renovations in our portfolio, below are a few of our favorites.

Brooklyn Design-Build Renovation

Upper East Side Co-Op Renovation | 55 East End Ave

We’re getting rave reviews of this co-op renovation on the Upper East Side. Located at Riverview South, a few blocks from Gracie Mansion, this two bedroom, two bathroom was a dated post-war home that hadn't been renovated for years. That’s when the client, a facial surgeon living with his dog, brought Gallery into the equation. Our full-service approach allowed us to hone in on his design objectives, execute the architectural plans accordingly and then work together to materialize the construction of his dream home. View the full Manhattan renovation before and after.

Brooklyn Design-Build Renovation

Full Renovation Of Pre-War Co-Op In Manhattan | 1035 5th Avenue

Our recent renovation at 1035 5th Avenue placed us in the heart of Manhattan. This stunning Italian Renaissance Palazzo co-op, located on Fifth and 85th street near The Met, overlooks Central Park. When our client purchased this 4,000 square foot pre-war property, it hadn't been updated in over 50 years. The renovation involved a complete design overhaul, incorporating prior architectural elements and elegant marble accents, while also creating an additional bathroom and powder room. The results speak for themselves, and the client's glowing praise for our full-service approach was especially gratifying. View the full Upper East Side renovation before and after and view the testimonial from our client Jennifer, below. 

Manhattan Design-Build

Pre-Purchase Renovation Assessment

Evaluate Your Manhattan Apartment
Before You Buy

Gallery KBNY is an award-winning, full-service design-build firm specializing in the architecture, design, and renovation of apartments, co-ops, condos, townhomes, and lofts across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our in-house team — with a founding partner involved in every project — manages every phase from board approvals through construction. No outsourcing, no handoffs, no gaps in accountability.

As seen in

| | | |
★★★★★ 100+ Five-Star Reviews Best of Design & Service · 7 Years Running

Pre-Purchase Assessment

We conduct pre-purchase renovation assessments for buyers during the contract period. Walk the apartment with us before you commit — understand the full scope, cost, and timeline before closing.

or call us directly

Every project, a founding partner  ·  No outsourcing
No Handoffs  ·  No Gaps

Getting Started With Your
Upper East Side Renovation

If your Upper East Side renovation involves significant structural work, a full gut, an apartment combination, or LPC-affected scope, a full-service design-build contractor consolidates the parts that would otherwise sit in five separate contracts. That's where Gallery fits.

Gallery is an award-winning Manhattan design-build firm handling architecture, interior design, architectural services, permitting, LPC submissions, and construction management under one contract. Our work on the Upper East Side includes pre-war co-op renovations, apartment combinations, townhouse renovations, and full gut renovations across Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, Lenox Hill, and the Fifth and Park Avenue corridors.

‍Planning an Upper East Side renovation? View our portfolio of completed apartment renovations, learn more about Gallery, or contact us for an initial consultation and walk-through.

let’s

Design-Build

together

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