Upper West Side Renovation General Contractor

Renovating on the Upper West Side of Manhattan requires an elegant appeal and seasoned expertise. Whether you’re in a luxury high-rise apartment in Lincoln Square that needs a more personalized touch or an art deco pre-war apartment on Columbus Ave that requires a full gut renovation, the collage of residential buildings on the UWS 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 West Side Renovations

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.

10 to 16 Months
Consultation to move-in
$450 to $650/sq ft
Upper mid-tier to luxury
100+ Five-Star Reviews
Across Manhattan & Northern Brooklyn
Featured In
The New York Times & Architectural Digest

Gallery KBNY handles full apartment renovations across the Upper West Side, from pre-war co-ops along Central Park West and West End Avenue to converted brownstones in the West 70s and 80s and modern condominiums along Broadway. Our design-build model consolidates architecture, interior design, board approvals, permitting, and construction under one roof and one contract, the structure that lets a UWS renovation move forward without the homeowner becoming the project manager.

Brooklyn Design-Build Renovation

Why Choose Gallery KBNY for
Upper West Side Renovations?

Upper West Side renovations succeed or fail on three things: how cleanly the contractor handles the strict alteration agreements common in CPW and West End Avenue co-ops, how reliably they navigate the pre-war infrastructure that defines most of the building stock, and how thoughtfully they balance historic preservation with modern functionality. Here's where Gallery fits.

More Streamlined Than Traditional General Contractors

The default search for "Upper West 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 where the building engineer scrutinizes every MEP change. 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 West Side building stock is dominated by pre-war but unusually varied within that category. Our portfolio includes pre-war co-op gut renovations along Central Park West (including a recent project at 91 CPW), classic-six and classic-eight conversions on West End Avenue, brownstone renovations in the West 70s and 80s, and selective work inside modern condos along Broadway and Riverside. 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 UWS contains.

Familiarity With Upper West Side Renovations

The Upper West Side operates under regulatory and approval realities that vary block by block. Properties within the Upper West Side / Central Park West Historic District (covering most of CPW from West 61st to West 96th) require LPC review on any work affecting protected exterior elements. Pre-war co-ops along West End and Riverside have some of the most rigorous alteration agreements in Manhattan. Modern condos along Broadway 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 Central Park West 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.

Decoding The Listings Classic Six, Seven, And Eight, Explained The classic apartment is the signature layout of the Upper West Side's pre-war co-op stock, counted by its original room total. Each format carries its own renovation opportunities, which is why these conversions are a core part of Gallery's UWS portfolio.
Classic Six Six original rooms
The Original Layout Living room, formal dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a maid's room with its own small bath, typically off the kitchen.
Where You Find Them Throughout the pre-war co-ops of West End Avenue, Riverside Drive, and the side streets of the West 70s through 90s.
Signature Renovation Moves Opening the kitchen to the dining room for a modern great room, and converting the maid's room into a home office, laundry room, or third small bedroom.
Classic Seven Seven original rooms
The Original Layout The classic six plus a third full bedroom, giving the formal entertaining rooms and the private wing clearer separation.
Where You Find Them The larger pre-war lines of West End Avenue and Central Park West, often with gallery foyers and long entry halls.
Signature Renovation Moves Carving an en-suite primary bath from adjacent closet space, rebalancing the bedroom wing, and modernizing the kitchen while keeping the formal dining room intact.
Classic Eight Eight original rooms
The Original Layout Living room, formal dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, and two staff rooms, frequently with a private service corridor and multiple baths.
Where You Find Them The grand lines of Central Park West and West End Avenue, where full-floor and near-full-floor plans were built for formal living.
Signature Renovation Moves Combining the staff rooms into a large eat-in kitchen or family room, adding baths within the existing wet zones, and restoring the formal rooms to their original proportions.
Room counts follow the pre-war convention, which excludes bathrooms and foyers. Actual layouts vary by building line, and structural or wet-over-dry constraints determine which reconfigurations a given apartment allows.

Upper West Side Renovation Services

The reason Upper West 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 for your Upper West 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 West 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 Central Park West and Lincoln Square, 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 UWS 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 West 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 render 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 West 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 West 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 UWS renovation is executed to exceed expectations. This level of coordination is particularly beneficial in areas like Lincoln Square, where there’s limited space and plenty of routine congestion to navigate.

Brooklyn Apartment Renovation

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.

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Avenue By Avenue How The UWS Changes From Park To River The Upper West Side reads differently on every avenue, and so do its renovations. Gallery works across the full cross-section, from Central Park West co-ops to Riverside Boulevard condos.
Corridor
Dominant Housing Stock
What Shapes A Renovation Here
Central Park West
Dominant Housing StockLandmark pre-war co-op towers, including the art deco twin-tower skyline
What Shapes A Renovation HereHistoric district coverage runs along most of CPW, adding LPC review to already rigorous board processes. Grand-scale layouts reward restoration-minded design.
West End Avenue
Dominant Housing StockA nearly unbroken canyon of pre-war co-ops
What Shapes A Renovation HereThe heartland of the classic six, seven, and eight. Alteration agreements here rank among the most rigorous in Manhattan, with building engineers reviewing every MEP change.
Riverside Drive
Dominant Housing StockCurved-facade pre-war co-ops facing Riverside Park
What Shapes A Renovation HerePark-facing rooms and bay windows anchor the design, while century-old risers and settled framing make the diagnostic phase especially important.
Broadway & Riverside Boulevard
Dominant Housing StockModern condos and newer full-service towers
What Shapes A Renovation HereManagement-led approvals move faster than the co-op stock to the east, with the work centered on elevating builder-grade interiors, as in Gallery's Riverside Boulevard condo renovation.
The Side Streets, West 70s To 90s
Dominant Housing StockBrownstone rows, converted townhouses, and boutique co-ops
What Shapes A Renovation HereRowhouse structural systems, vertical circulation, and historic district boundaries drive scope, from single-floor co-op units to full townhouse renovations.
Corridor profiles describe dominant character rather than universal rules. Gallery confirms the governing requirements, district boundaries, and building conditions for your specific address during planning.
Preservation Decisions Restore Or Replace: Pre-War Details The character of a pre-war Upper West Side home lives in its original details, and every renovation decides element by element what to preserve. Neither answer is automatic; these are the factors Gallery weighs with clients during design.
The Element
When Restoration Wins
When Replacement Wins
Herringbone & Parquet Floors
When Restoration WinsBoards are thick enough for another sanding and the pattern is intact. Refinishing preserves original material at a fraction of replacement cost.
When Replacement WinsDecades of sandings have thinned the wear layer, water damage has cupped the boards, or subfloor leveling requires taking the floor up anyway.
Plaster Mouldings & Ceiling Detail
When Restoration WinsProfiles are largely intact and any missing runs can be recast from existing sections, keeping the room's original proportions authentic.
When Replacement WinsCeilings are opening anyway for lighting, HVAC, or structural work, making faithful reproduction more economical than protecting fragile originals through construction.
Original Doors & Hardware
When Restoration WinsSolid-wood panel doors and period brass hardware respond beautifully to stripping and refinishing, and matching their quality new is expensive.
When Replacement WinsLayout changes create new openings the originals cannot serve, or decades of paint and hardware swaps have left doors beyond economical recovery.
Windows
When Restoration WinsFrames are sound and the building or landmark rules require keeping the original profile, with weatherstripping and interior storm solutions improving performance.
When Replacement WinsThe building has an approved replacement program. In historic districts, replacements must match approved profiles, a filing Gallery manages with LPC and the building.
Radiators & Heating
When Restoration WinsCast-iron radiators still heat well; refinishing or custom enclosures integrate them into the new design while keeping the building's steam system happy.
When Replacement WinsThe layout relocates walls the risers serve, or the client wants concealed heating and the building permits modifications to the distribution.
Wainscoting & Millwork
When Restoration WinsOriginal paneling anchors the formal rooms, and careful stripping reveals wood quality that modern stock rarely matches.
When Replacement WinsWall reconfiguration interrupts the paneling runs, in which case Gallery's millworkers reproduce the profiles so new and original read as one.
Every element decision is made during the design phase with the budget implications visible, so restoration ambitions and construction realities stay aligned. Lead-safe practices govern all work on original painted surfaces.

Upper West Side Client
Testimonials & Reviews

We used Gallery KBNY to re-design our kitchen and other rooms. Avi Zikry's design was amazing. His vision enabled us to create a whole new look and a better functioning space. That was a year ago, and we are very happy with the results. I highly recommend him. View full renovation: https://www.gallerykbny.com/our-work/manhattan-apartment-renovation-91-central-park-west

...read more

Worked with the Gallery Team to do a full gut renovation of our home. As a young family we wanted a more modern and open layout but needed a practical and functional layout which the Gallery Team worked with us to design. They were very helpful through the entire process and worked with us each step of the way with great responsiveness and care for our project. They were helpful but not pushy through the design process and efficient through the construction process. They maintained open lines of dialogue and we are very happy with the way our home turned out. Thank you Gallery!

...read more

Featured Upper West Side Renovations

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

Brooklyn Design-Build Renovation

Upper West Side Pre-War Co-op Renovation | 801 West End Ave

When we were enlisted for this co-op renovation on the Upper West Side, the dated pre-war space needed some work. The family recently purchased the Manhattan home near Broadway with the intention of reinvigorating the spacious property without losing the historic character. With a speciality in pre-war renovations in NYC, we were happily up for the challenge. View the full UWS renovation before and after.

Brooklyn Design-Build Renovation

Manhattan Apartment Renovation | 91 Central Park West

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 West Side renovation before and after.

Common FAQs About Our Tribeca Design-Build Services

How Does Gallery's Design-Build Team Preserve The Historic Pre-War Character Of Upper West Side Homes While Introducing Modern Luxury?

Renovating a classic Upper West Side residence requires a delicate balance between historic preservation and contemporary sophistication. Our construction teams specialize in identifying, restoring, and highlighting original pre-war details, such as ornate plaster moldings, classic herringbone flooring, and historic window casings. We pair these classic elements with clean, modern furnishings, custom-integrated millwork, and contemporary art. This thoughtful juxtaposition respects the historic integrity of your property while creating a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic tailored to modern living.

How Does Gallery Navigate The Exceptionally Strict Co-Op Board Requirements On The UWS?

Upper West Side co-ops, particularly along Central Park West, West End Avenue, and Riverside Drive, are known for having some of the most rigorous alteration guidelines in Manhattan. Our team has decades of experience preparing comprehensive board packages that address specific building rules, including strict wet-over-dry restrictions, structural limitations, and designated summer work hours. We collaborate directly with building managing agents and board-appointed reviewing architects from the earliest design phases. This proactive preparation ensures a smooth, compliant path to approval, protecting your project timeline from administrative delays.

How Does An Integrated Design-Build Model Benefit The Renovation And Construction Process For Upper West Side Properties?

Our flul-service design-build model eliminates the traditional friction between independent interior designers and general contractors. By having our interior designers, registered architects, and master builders collaborate from day one, we ensure that every design concept is fully vetted for structural feasibility and budget alignment. We coordinate the procurement of custom finishes, decorative lighting, and bespoke furniture directly with our active construction schedule. This seamless integration guarantees that your interior design is executed with absolute precision, avoiding costly delays and delivering a beautiful, move-in-ready home.

Getting Started With Your
Upper West Side Renovation

If your Upper West 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 West Side includes pre-war co-op renovations along Central Park West and West End Avenue, brownstone renovations in the West 70s and 80s, classic-six and classic-eight conversions, apartment combinations, and full gut renovations across the neighborhood's full range of building types.

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

Manhattan Design-Build

Pre-Purchase Renovation Assessment

Evaluate Your Manhattan Condo Or Co-Op
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

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★★★★★ 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.

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