CHICLET MANSION-PARK SLOPE
CHICLET MANSION
This 10,000 square foot landmarked Park Slope home was originally designed by CPH Gilbert in the 1890's. It is considered the finest example of Romanesque revival architecture in New York city. Originally a single-family home, it was divided into 10 apartments during the 1950's. Due to lack of maintenance for over half a century, a complete structural and mechanical gut renovation was required. Luckily, an ambitious young family with five children purchased the building and were ready to undertake this enormous task. Horrigan O'Malley Architects was hired to return it to its glorious past while instilling a youthful feel to its well-appointed interiors. The homes magnificent woodwork, main stair, paneling, and plumbing fixtures were salvaged while completely re-framing the interior and installing new mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler and electrical systems. The exterior received a new terra cotta roof as well as full brownstone and brick restoration. Gargoyles, moldings and the bas-relief pediment were restored and recreated where necessary. Over seventy windows were replaced or restored, many with original stained and leaded glass sashes.
The house is located on a corner site and takes advantage of having its main entrance on the “long” elevation. This organization, combined with the central stair, optimizes the size and natural light of the rooms. The new design thoughtfully aligned the aesthetics of the modern updates to the classic, century-old details. New hydronic wood floors are a mix of parquet, herringbone pattern and straight-lay wood flooring that flow through the traditional layout of rooms. The newly located parlor floor kitchen is situated on the northside of the home and would typically have a limited amount of natural light. A new skylight, large window and glass paneled door were added in the adjoining rear extension. Light is reflected off of the white lacquer cabinets and enters the dramatic, wood paneled dining area with built-in seating nook. A new deck and rear yard stair become an extension of the kitchen, and connect to a lush garden with a new bluestone patio. The second floor is reserved for casual family living and entertaining. The showcase is the elegant billiard's room restored coffered leather paneled ceiling, large bar, fireplace and built-in window seating. This level also contains the office with custom cabinetry and children's playroom featuring custom bookcases and art room. Upstairs, the expansive master bedroom suite features a terrace, large bathroom and custom designed dressing rooms. The children’s bedrooms, on the fourth floor, exist within the newly exposed hipped and turreted roof structure, allowing for dramatic ceilings on the topmost floor. Last but not least, the basement was excavated to provide higher ceilings and features an additional kitchen, exercise room and wine cellar. This project is the recipient of the Ortner Award for Historic Preservation and was featured in the mansion section of the Wall Street Journal.
The house is located on a corner site and takes advantage of having its main entrance on the “long” elevation. This organization, combined with the central stair, optimizes the size and natural light of the rooms. The new design thoughtfully aligned the aesthetics of the modern updates to the classic, century-old details. New hydronic wood floors are a mix of parquet, herringbone pattern and straight-lay wood flooring that flow through the traditional layout of rooms. The newly located parlor floor kitchen is situated on the northside of the home and would typically have a limited amount of natural light. A new skylight, large window and glass paneled door were added in the adjoining rear extension. Light is reflected off of the white lacquer cabinets and enters the dramatic, wood paneled dining area with built-in seating nook. A new deck and rear yard stair become an extension of the kitchen, and connect to a lush garden with a new bluestone patio. The second floor is reserved for casual family living and entertaining. The showcase is the elegant billiard's room restored coffered leather paneled ceiling, large bar, fireplace and built-in window seating. This level also contains the office with custom cabinetry and children's playroom featuring custom bookcases and art room. Upstairs, the expansive master bedroom suite features a terrace, large bathroom and custom designed dressing rooms. The children’s bedrooms, on the fourth floor, exist within the newly exposed hipped and turreted roof structure, allowing for dramatic ceilings on the topmost floor. Last but not least, the basement was excavated to provide higher ceilings and features an additional kitchen, exercise room and wine cellar. This project is the recipient of the Ortner Award for Historic Preservation and was featured in the mansion section of the Wall Street Journal.