Through subtle and strategic interventions, local firm Overlay Office avoids the “boilerplate” approach often employed when updating the area’s classic residential designs.
In 2019, when Abigail Coover, founder of the New York design firm Overlay Office, visited a 19th-century three-unit home in South Slope, Brooklyn, she never imagined she would end up not only a designer but a developer as well. .
“There was something about the property that drew me to it. It was a classic Brooklyn house with brick walls and a rubble foundation, but it needed a deep renovation,” she says. “It was a blank canvas begging to be recreated into something spectacular.”
Coover, who has been designing for 13 years and focuses primarily on homes, has been experienced in rebuilding townhouses, including his in Red Hook. She saw an opportunity to add a real estate developer to her business card and decided to bid on the property for herself. Nine months and $2.05 million later, it was hers.
It was a blank canvas begging to be recreated into something spectacular.
After closing, she converted the house into a condominium called House Offset – a name inspired by the offset arches in the facade and the arch motif in the overall design. A two-year renovation followed and took twice as long as originally planned due to COVID-related delays with construction and supplies.
Moving away from the other buildings in the neighborhood, Coover imagined a playful and contemporary aesthetic. That meant no subway tiles, double-hung windows, or chrome faucets. “I wanted to be true to the spirit of the neighborhood and the history of the building, but I didn’t want a cliché look,” she says.
Coover kept the three-unit configuration, but changed the layout to give each residence two bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, and balconies; they range in size from 800 to 1,300 square feet, and a house has a roof.
The exterior also received a facelift. “I kept the four walls, but changed everything else,” says Coover. The front facade has been painted in a lighter shade of black (Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart) and is overlaid with darker black cropped graphic images (Benjamin Moore Black Iron) – an updated perspective of the arched windows and roofs that can be found on the district.
With sustainability as a priority, Coover clad the underside of the facade with charred wood from reclaimed wood supplier reSAWN Timber. The surface protects the exterior and complements the dark gray painted bricks on the upper half of the facade. The small entrance to House Offset is in black terrazzo; Coover’s reimagining of the classic Brooklyn front porch that is immortalized in television shows and movies.
Inside, the designed terrace (made from 100% recycled plastic by Durat) is a feature throughout, from the staircase that connects the three units to the floors and walls of the bathrooms.
Other design features include tilting windows, white walls, black custom kitchen cabinets, and black tile backsplashes. Bright accents like yellow and blue kitchen sink faucets add splashes of cheerful color. Then there’s the scallop theme again with elements like arched mirrors, ceilings, shelves and a scalloped kitchen island. “Scallops let you have a lot of fun,” says Coover. “They are impactful, but not serious.”
House Offset’s condos hit the market last November and were listed for $1.195 million, $1.595 million and $1.695 million. They all sold out within a week for the asking price, and the villagers began to move out.
“I’m excited for the owners to experience my take on Brooklyn life,” says Coover. “I respected the past, but I hope I have created a new vision that reflects a way of life that is relevant for today.”
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What happened to the singing group brownstone?
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell, a member of 1990s girl group Brownstone — best known for their hit If You Love Me — has died after cutting himself in a fall at home, a rep said Monday.
How did the girl from the Brownstone group die? LOS ANGELES (AP) – Charmayne “Maxee” Maxwell, a member of 1990s girl group Brownstone – best known for their hit If You Love Me – has died after cutting herself in a fall at home, a rep said Monday.
Why did Brownstone break up?
The cause of his split from the group was later said (in radio interviews) to be an internal conflict with the other two members. She was replaced by Kina Cosper of Detroit; other members over the years include Kymberli Wright of Detroit, Racquel Roberts of Los Angeles and current member Teisha Brown of Detroit.
Why did Kina leave Brownstone?
Kina joined the group in 1995, replacing Mimi (real name: Monica Doby), who reportedly left Brownstone for health reasons. “I felt like everyone around that situation didn’t know who I was, or what I had, and I was angry about it,” says Kina.
What happened to R&B group Brownstone?
Charmayne Maxwell – part of ’90s R&B group Brownstone – died Friday night in Los Angeles after her husband found her bleeding from a cut on her neck. A family member tells us that Charmayne had returned from her son’s soccer game and was alone at home with him.
Is the group Brownstone still together?
GRAMMY-nominated R&B group Brownstone, signed by Michael Jackson in the mid-’90s, is celebrating their own milestone: 25 years since they released their debut album. The now quartet reunited at the festival to celebrate their anniversary.
Who died from Soul For Real?
| Tony Thompson | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA |
| Died | June 1, 2007 (31 years old) Waco, Texas, USA |
| Genres | R&B soul pop new jack swing |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
What happened to Charmaine Maxwell?
Death. On February 28, 2015, Maxwell died after an accident in Los Angeles. The singer was at her home when she fell and cut her throat on a glass that broke during her fall. She died shortly afterwards in the hospital.
How did maxi from Brownstone died?
Charmayne “Maxee” Maxwell, a member of 1990s R&B trio Brownstone, died over the weekend after an accident at his Los Angeles home. She was 46 years old. Maxwell was at his home on Friday when he fell and cut his throat on a glass that broke during the fall, his rep said Monday.
When did charmayne Maxwell die?
Who killed charmayne Maxwell?
28 of a heart attack after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He was 48 years old. Charmayne “Maxee” Maxwell, singer of Brownstone, died on February 28 after falling into a broken wine glass and slitting her throat.
How do you restore a brownstone?
The brownstone was cut by experienced masons into blocks less than a foot thick, which were added to the front of the brick buildings….
- Step 1: Get permission. …
- Step 2: Remove the damaged top layer. …
- Step 3: Build the facade back with layers of cement. …
- Step 4: Apply the final layer of brownstone.
Can you paint brownstone? Properly repairing and restoring brownstone is a time-consuming and expensive specialty, so cheap stucco patches or a coat of paint have become the solution of choice for building owners without much reverence for appearance or historic value.
What is brownstone finish?
Brownstone is a brown Triassic-Jurassic sandstone that was historically a popular building material. The term is also used in the United States and Canada to refer to a dwelling clad in this or any other aesthetically similar material.
Why are brownstones so expensive?
Steam-powered machines allow workers to cut and shape brownstones faster and cheaper than ever before, making them affordable – and their organic hues were reminiscent of the beauty and power of nature. For middle-class and semi-detached homeowners who wanted a little luxury, brownstone was the way to go.
What is brownstone made of?
Brownstone – the building material – is a specific type of sandstone that is, as its name implies, characteristically dark. The trademark color is due to a large amount of iron in the stone.
How do you clean brownstone steps?
A gentle wash with water or wash with water and non-ionic detergent should be the first cleaning methods tried. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive methods such as sand or water blasting.
How to maintain a brownstone?
A few tips: Make sure your brownstone is sharpened and keep an eye out for areas that remain damp after rain or snow. Keep your roof in good condition so the building stays dry; keep gutters and gutters clean so water moves away from the house.
How do you mix brownstone?
The mixture should contain 1 part portland cement, 1 part lime, 6 parts sand, crushed sandstone, dry mortar colors and water. The amounts of mortar color and water will vary depending on the correct color and consistency. Experiment with dry masonry colors first, then introduce cement and brownstone.
How do you clean a brownstone?
Cleaning is only necessary to protect the brownstone from excessive pollutants or dirt buildup. Use a professional mason to do the cleaning and ask to see a sample of their work. A gentle wash with water or wash with water and non-ionic detergent should be the first cleaning methods tried.
What are brownstone steps made of?
The steps are made of cement, as are the short, solid walls on either side of them. These stair features, together with a small porch area, make up a typical porch. Dutch colonists settled in New York in the 1600s; they added this style of stairs to rows of apartments called tenements and brownstones.
Why do they call them brownstones?
The term “brownstone” is quite simple: the word refers to the brown sandstone used to clad the facades of brick houses built for middle-class families in the early 19th century.
What makes an apartment a brownstone? A brownstone is a semi-detached house or semi-detached house made of brick and – this is the crucial part – with a brownstone facade. In New York City, brownstones can be found most often in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Brownstones are unique, says Eiden, who completes 36% more sales than the average New York agent.
Why are brownstones so popular?
While sandstone houses give a sense of permanence, they are anything but. The material is very soft and prone to cracking and falling apart over time, especially in New York weather. But this softness makes it easier to cut and work, which is why it has become so popular.
Why do brownstones cost so much?
Steam-powered machines allow workers to cut and shape brownstones faster and cheaper than ever before, making them affordable – and their organic hues were reminiscent of the beauty and power of nature. For middle-class and semi-detached homeowners who wanted a little luxury, brownstone was the way to go.
What makes brownstone special?
Brownstone – the building material – is a specific type of sandstone that is, as its name implies, characteristically dark. The trademark color is due to a large amount of iron in the stone. … Today, most brownstones can be found in Brooklyn or Manhattan on the Upper West Side or Harlem.
What’s the difference between a brownstone and townhouse?
A brownstone is a type of dwelling made from a brown sandstone that was commonly used to build these types of houses. Townhouses can be built of any material, many were made of brick. If it’s made of brick, it’s a semi-detached house, but not a sandstone. So brownstones are terraced houses, but not all terraced houses are brownstones.
Why are they called brownstones in New York?
Brownstone was chosen because it was plentiful and easily transported to New York – but no more. During the heyday of New York brownstone—from the 1870s to the 1890s—stone was easy to find and sourced from nearby quarries in New Jersey and Connecticut. “The main stone was from Portland,” says Devonshire.
What defines a brownstone?
Brownstone is a brown Triassic-Jurassic sandstone that was historically a popular building material. The term is also used in the United States and Canada to refer to a dwelling clad in this or any other aesthetically similar material.
Why are brownstones so expensive?
Steam-powered machines allow workers to cut and shape brownstones faster and cheaper than ever before, making them affordable – and their organic hues were reminiscent of the beauty and power of nature. For middle-class and semi-detached homeowners who wanted a little luxury, brownstone was the way to go.
Why are brownstones called?
Where does the name “brownstone” come from? The term “brownstone” is pretty straightforward: the word refers to the brown sandstone used to clad the facades of brick terraced houses built for single middle-class families in the early 19th century.
What makes a house a brownstone?
Brownstone – the building material – is a specific type of sandstone that is, as its name implies, characteristically dark. The trademark color is due to a large amount of iron in the stone.
Do brownstones have basements?
In classic tall brownstones, garden-level floors are almost always a cool space. As there are typically only a few steps up to this floor, 50% of the floor-to-ceiling height is usually above level and therefore meets the requirements of a basement.
How many floors does a brownstone have? Brownstones are also spacious, with four to five floors and 4,000 to 6,000 square feet of living space. Many brownstones have a porch that leads from the sidewalk to what is called the living room floor, which contains the living room and dining room.
Why is brownstone so expensive?
Steam-powered machines allow workers to cut and shape brownstones faster and cheaper than ever before, making them affordable – and their organic hues were reminiscent of the beauty and power of nature. For middle-class and semi-detached homeowners who wanted a little luxury, brownstone was the way to go.
Why are brownstones called?
Where does the name “brownstone” come from? The term “brownstone” is pretty straightforward: the word refers to the brown sandstone used to clad the facades of brick terraced houses built for single middle-class families in the early 19th century.
How much is the average New York brownstone?
Buchman, brownstone prices in the neighborhood currently range from $3.5 million to $10 million.) While brownstones have become synonymous with affluent sections of Brooklyn, they are hardly unique to the outer boroughs and still spice up certain parts of Brooklyn. Manhattan, as we go.
Do brownstones share a wall?
Many people use the terms townhouse and brownstone interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A semi-detached house is a tall, narrow single-family house that is at least two stories tall and shares a wall (called a party wall) with another house.
How many rooms does a brownstone have?
Typically, each sandstone apartment houses between 3 and 9 individual apartment spaces. And, in general, all buildings have a small staircase, or a “step” that leads from the door to the sidewalk. Interestingly, this style developed in New York City due to the abundance of brown rocks in the area.
What is the difference between brownstone and townhouse?
A brownstone is a type of dwelling made from a brown sandstone that was commonly used to build these types of houses. Townhouses can be built of any material, many were made of brick. If it’s made of brick, it’s a semi-detached house, but not a sandstone. So brownstones are terraced houses, but not all terraced houses are brownstones.
Do houses in NYC have basements?
Such “hidden” units have always been prevalent in New York City, which is home to around 50,000 basement apartments, although that number is likely much higher as many of them are considered illegal.
Are basement apartments illegal in New York City?
Most New York City basement apartments are illegal, and officials from the Department of Buildings, Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and other city agencies will vacate homes and fine owners if they discover an unregulated unit.
How many basements are there in New York City?
In reality, a diverse range of over 150,000 people currently live in the estimated as many as 50,000 basement apartments across the city, according to published reports. However, no one can say for sure how many New Yorkers are living below par, under houses and apartment buildings.
How wide are brownstones?
There has never been a perimeter census for New York City brownstones, but Miller Samuel Inc., a residential property appraisal firm, estimates the average width of a Manhattan home at about 18 feet.
How wide are Brooklyn townhouses? The average width of New York City townhouses is 18 to 20 feet. Anything below is considered narrow (and more difficult to resell), anything above 25 feet is called a trophy (or mansion) property.
What is the difference between a townhouse and a brownstone?
A brownstone is a type of dwelling made from a brown sandstone that was commonly used to build these types of houses. Townhouses can be built of any material, many were made of brick. If it’s made of brick, it’s a semi-detached house, but not a sandstone. So brownstones are terraced houses, but not all terraced houses are brownstones.
Why are brownstones so expensive?
Steam-powered machines allow workers to cut and shape brownstones faster and cheaper than ever before, making them affordable – and their organic hues were reminiscent of the beauty and power of nature. For middle-class and semi-detached homeowners who wanted a little luxury, brownstone was the way to go.
Why are brownstones called?
Where does the name “brownstone” come from? The term “brownstone” is pretty straightforward: the word refers to the brown sandstone used to clad the facades of brick terraced houses built for single middle-class families in the early 19th century.
Why are brownstones so expensive?
Steam-powered machines allow workers to cut and shape brownstone faster and cheaper than ever before, making it affordable – and its organic hues were reminiscent of the beauty and power of nature. For middle-class and semi-detached homeowners who wanted a little luxury, brownstone was the way to go.
Why are brownstones so popular?
While sandstone houses give a sense of permanence, they are anything but. The material is very soft and prone to cracking and falling apart over time, especially in New York weather. But this softness makes it easier to cut and work, which is why it has become so popular.
How much is the average New York brownstone?
Buchman, brownstone prices in the neighborhood currently range from $3.5 million to $10 million.) While brownstones have become synonymous with affluent sections of Brooklyn, they are hardly unique to the outer boroughs and still spice up certain parts of Brooklyn. Manhattan, as we go.
