ODA New York: 10 Hubert Street
This 1892 building on Hubert Street in TriBeCa has been transformed into a luxury penthouse residence by ODA New York, all while preserving numerous original features.
Located on a cobblestone street in the Tribeca West Historic District is a Romanesque Revival building designed by Julius Kastner in 1892. ODA, acting as both designer and architect of record, faced the task of restoring and renovating this long-neglected structure. The aim for 10 Hubert Street was to revive the 5-story building to its original design while reflecting the unique charm of Tribeca.
As a conservation project, the ambition for 10 Hubert Street was to restore the space to its original design while embodying Tribeca’s distinctive ambiance. The internal exposed brick walls have been preserved; however, much of the building had fallen into disrepair, with little regard for its historical context. In the main living area, the most striking new feature is the steel and glass gallery level, which serves to visually separate the double-height space without overwhelming its original character. This added level has established a library area with floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves that harmonize with the exposed wooden beams overhead.
It is truly remarkable to witness a design that honors the history and charm of the original structure. This project feels entirely organic; while the designs are predominantly modern, they exude a timeless elegance that captivates visitors the moment they enter. In an era where many architects and designers are pushing boundaries for attention, ODA has allowed the building to take center stage, producing work that is far superior to its surroundings.
The color scheme and finishes have been intentionally kept minimal, allowing the building's fabric to narrate its own history. Reclaimed exposed timber beams are visible throughout, providing a warm touch to each room. The two lower floors showcase original exposed red brick, adding a subtle pop of color that contrasts nicely with the new darker materials, such as black steel and muted grey woods.
The new top floor addition has been set back, remaining unobtrusive to the view from the street, preserving the structure's original design. Notable design changes in this area replace the red exposed brick with clean white walls, complemented by large floor-to-ceiling industrial windows that span one side, granting access to the roof terrace and stunning views of the World Trade Center development.
Photography: Frank Oudeman
