16TH & DELANCEY - RITTENHOUSE
7 UNIT MULTI-FAMILY HISTORIC RENOVATION
This project offered some challenges from the beginning. The previous owner/GC had gutted the entire building and started underpinning but abandoned the job. It is tragic to see the original banisters and almost all window trim removed. We were able to keep the existing window millwork and embrasured shutters on the 1st floor. We completed the underpinning on the front 2/3 and added underpinning on the rear. We’re able to keep things moving while we wait for amended permits to be issued. These old townhomes often have structural issues with the staircase. In this case the stair stringer was not properly supported and was collapsing. We had to add numerous LVL’s, support walls, footings and other structural members to ensure this building would stand for another 180 years. Additionally, the facade was separating from the side walls. We added an 19’ long steel angle and six corner ties. The 4th story was only on 1/3 of the footprint. In order for L&I to count this as 3rd story and avoid the requirement of two sets of stairs we removed 12 joists and created a mezzanine creating dramatic 20’ ceilings in this bi-level unit. We chose timeless and elegant finishes including Spanish cream colored subway tile, floating shelves made from reclaimed joists from the site, engineered white oak flooring, marble look porcelain tile on the full vanity wall and a carefully curated lighting package with different sconces, pendants and chandeliers in each unit. Three units offer private outdoor space on brand new walkable GACO roof deck surfaces. All plumbing and electrical are new as well as high efficiency mini split units and in unit washers/dryers. The entry features bold and timeless black and blue 8’ tile, solid white oak picture framing the tile, dramatic chandeliers, custom CNC machined white oak stair treads, custom fabricated curved metal railing and a large 8’ skylight trimmed in solid white oak.
