________________________________________________________________________________________________ Historic Homes
Past and future
Reviving existing brownstones is about more than aesthetics. It’ s an investment in New York City’ s future. Restoring these structures is inherently sustainable; the greenest building is the one that’ s already standing. Each revival reduces demolition waste, preserves irreplaceable materials, and maintains the dense, walkable fabric that defines New York neighborhoods.
Just as importantly, it reconnects the city to its architectural roots. Brownstones are not museum pieces frozen in time. When carefully revived, they become living homes that support modern families while carrying forward the stories of previous generations. Every time one is brought back to its original intent- often elevated beyond what the original builders could have imagined- a small piece of the city’ s character is restored with it.
Nearly two decades after that first intimidating corner property, the feeling is still the same. There’ s a deep satisfaction in peeling back neglect, repairing hidden damage, and watching light return to rooms that had been dark for decades. Each completed project proves that these 100-year-old buildings are not obsolete; they’ re adaptable, resilient, and still perfectly suited to contemporary life.
New York will always change. Tastes will evolve, technologies will improve, and needs will shift. But as long as we continue to revive its brownstones rather than replace them, the city’ s past and future can exist beautifully under the same roof. ■
▼ Kerry and Antoin
Kerry O’ Duibhir www. newwavenyc. com
Kerry O’ Duibhir is Chief Executive Officer at New Wave Design and Contracting. Founded in 2006 by Antoin O’ Duibhir, New Wave Design and Contracting has merged a wealth of professional experience and skills into a company that has earned a reputation as a leading general contractor for New York City’ s most iconic brownstones and high-end residences. It is known for its integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
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