This project was the complete reconstruction of a Civil War-era timber rowhouse in the historic district of Hamilton Park on National and State Historic Registers. The property is on one of Jersey City’s prettiest streets, many with wood frame structures dating to the 1850s when railways terminating on the Hudson River were spurring the area’s economic development.
For this Design-Build project, Agencie served as Architect, Engineer, and Construction Manager. Frequently, when working in landmarked buildings, several administrative and technical challenges belied our design efforts. Principally, since the proposed reconstruction consisted of enlarging the total footprint by 100% (doubling the total proposed area to over 2300sf), there was a lengthy approvals process through the Zoning, Planning, and Historic Commissions…not to mention that we underwent these entitlement processes in the 2020 Pandemic.
The project is ultimately a testament to the effective use of space in the plan and section. The total interior space count includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen with a terrace leading down to a large and newly landscaped rear garden, and living, dining, and family rooms. The building is constructed with the highest quality material from a roughing (the behind-the-wall items) and finishes perspectives.
Agencie led detailing and selection of all material types, custom fabricated millwork, baseboard, door, and window stool/casing, all stone and tile selections, all flooring finish selections, all hardware and metal accessories, all plumbing fittings and fixture selections, all recessed and decorative light fixture selections, and all paint and wallpaper schedules; this was a comprehensive, intense, and tremendously enjoyable project. We hope this home will offer many special occasions and happiness to its Owners.
Type
Residential
Architecture
Structural Engineering
Design Build
Andrés Ulises Cortés, Architect
Sarrah Khan, PE
Wanlapa Frey
Ali Molaei