From Blind Purchase to Dream Home: A Stunning Greenwich Village Renovation

A Bold Move into New York City

Steve Byrnes and his husband, Jamie Mandelbaum, made a daring decision by purchasing their pied-à-terre in Washington Square sight unseen. Their architect, Andrew Franz, guided them through the process via FaceTime, highlighting the apartment's unique features such as low windows that provide breathtaking views of Washington Square Park.

Transforming the Space

Initially, the couple thought they would only need decorative changes. However, it quickly became clear that a full renovation was necessary to address the maze of hallways and boxy rooms that resulted from merging two units. Franz's task was to maximize the apartment's space while creating a welcoming environment for entertaining.

Key Design Features

• Generous Window Seat: One of the couple's priorities was a spacious window seat that could accommodate two people, taking advantage of the apartment's low windows.
• Wood Cladding Choices: The couple had differing opinions on wood paneling. Franz creatively incorporated both sharper and scalloped designs to satisfy both tastes.
• Thoughtful Renovation: The couple realized that to achieve their vision, they needed to embrace structural changes rather than just aesthetic ones.

The Final Look

The renovation took two years, transforming the apartment into a modern sanctuary. With custom carpets, carefully selected furniture, and a blend of textures, the space became a reflection of their style.

This pied-à-terre is now not just a home but a place of comfort and beauty for the couple and their family, who now make regular trips to New York City.