QUEEN OF BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn I NYC

Standing proudly at the corner of Middagh and Willow Streets, this Federal-style townhouse, known as the “Queen of Brooklyn Heights,” holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving house in Brooklyn Heights. Over the course of a two-year restoration, the design team worked closely with the Landmark Preservation Commission, Brooklyn Historical Association, and local community board to ensure every intervention honored the home’s history. Meticulously restored and reimagined for modern living, the project preserves the building’s storied exterior while introducing a refined layer of contemporary elegance within.

One of the project’s defining gestures was reinstating the building’s 1920s silhouette through the reconstruction of its enclosed porch. Overlooking the historic carriage house within the same lot, this extension expands the first-floor footprint, providing enough space to relocate the kitchen, which was formerly tucked in the basement, to the first floor. Introducing an open kitchen layout bathed in natural light, the back façade of the house is kept true to its character, with the reinterpreted Federal-style windows creating a dialogue between the historic exterior and contemporary interior.

Existing structural conditions of the house had to be fully revisited to withstand another century. The 250-year-old house had to be fully reinforced, and in the process, the existing interior elements had to be stripped. Unfortunately, the original materials were not in condition to be maintained except for a few that were restored and repurposed in the house.

Inside, craftsmanship meets quiet sophistication — an oak staircase with a simple yet graceful profile showcasing traditional wood fabrication connects three stories of thoughtfully curated spaces. The original fireplace mantel on the first floor was carefully preserved, now framing an electric fireplace anchoring the main living area. Designed for a prominent tech company CEO and new mother, the upper floor was envisioned as a personal sanctuary, grounding a young family’s life in history, elegance, and comfort. In collaboration with interior designer Megan Grehl, the home reflects both heritage and modern femininity.

Beyond the main residence, the reconfigured courtyard doubles as a private parking space, discreetly accessed by a new curb cut along Willow Street. The original 1920s gate was also reinstated, completing a restoration that honors the building’s past while shaping its next century of life.