Williamsburg Townhouse

Tranquil Modern Home

Workers from the Domino Sugar refinery once resided in this 1850’s townhouse. In the 1990s, following decades of neglect, the wood debris in the house caught fire. Yet our client saw the possibilities, asking Agencie to restore it and add a modern 2-storey extension.

The project was conceived and built in 2009 during a housing market crash. Agencie acted as architect, engineer, and builder, cutting costs to the client dramatically. Gutted, then renovated, it includes a dining room and living room perched above the expansive garden. We engineered a steel support to allow the rear wall to be blown out. Instead, a storefront floods the room with light and gives panoramic views over the garden.

Williamsburg Townhouse Rearyard Stair

Inside, texture adds depth and detail. There’s a tin-stamped ceiling, fabricated by a local tinsmith. A Henry-built kitchen and sleek Lacanche stove are overseen by embossed ceilings. Spacious and light, the home is now ready for its next 150 years.