Here's What It Takes to Gut Renovate a Historic Brooklyn Brownstone

Nail on the Head Contracting LLC, led by Chris Amplo and team, together with Philip Pankiewicz of  Philip Pankiewicz Architecture, teamed up to transform a 1901 landmark property in the heart of Brooklyn’s coveted Park Slope neighborhood into a modern sanctuary while preserving its historic character.

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When a young professional couple with small children purchased their 1901 Park Slope brownstone for in the winter of 2023, they knew they had their work cut out for them: The 2,800-square-foot property had been through multiple permutations over the decades—at one point illegally divided into several smaller residences—and the previous owners' contractor makeover was not what the new homeowners had in mind.

"When the current homeowners bought this home, it was technically move-in ready," explains architect Philip Pankiewicz, who led the design team. "Technically, it was done—but it was horrible. The entire parlor floor was basically cut in half with two bedrooms. It was cheap quality and not at all what the homeowners wanted."

For this family, the brownstone represented their forever home—a place where they could create lasting memories while honoring the building's rich history. What followed was an extensive 12 month renovation that would transform the space into a stunning example of how historic preservation and modern living can work in harmony.

The Challenge: Navigating Landmarks and DOB Requirements

The project immediately faced a complex regulatory landscape. The home was landmarked and required extensive documentation with both the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Department of Buildings.

"Here's what I've found with landmarks: if you go to them with a professional set of documents, I've never had problems with them," Pankiewicz notes. "They're reasonable and ask for certain things, and you have to comply. The only problem with landmarks is they're understaffed, and it's more of a time issue."

The key to success? Preparation. "You only want to go to them once: you want to go to them when you have the mechanical plan worked out—they want to see the roof, everything. If your application is incomplete, it goes to the bottom of the pile."

"Chris and his team are very experienced with landmarks and have a good understanding of their process," Pankiewicz explains. "Our connection was originally windows—we're both kind of window fanatics. I had always wanted to work with Chris, and we finally had the chance on this project."

Initial Assessment and Hidden Challenges

When Nail on the Head founder Chris Amplo first walked through the 7th Street property in Park Slope, he immediately recognized the scope of work ahead. As the project progressed, the team discovered extensive hidden damage typical of older Brooklyn properties.

The Design Process: 5-6 Months from Concept to Filing

The design phase took approximately 5-6 months from initial contract signing to filing with the city—a timeline that Pankiewicz says depends heavily on homeowner responsiveness and engineer coordination.

"I always say that I can work as quickly or as slowly as the homeowners want,” he says. "In this instance, the homeowners were super nice, very responsive, and very involved in the process.”

The process involved multiple phases:

• Schematic design to establish the general layout

• Coordination with engineers including structural and mechanical specialists

• Landmarks review before DOB submission

• Construction documentation development

For this project, the team worked with ABS Engineers out of Manhattan, who produced comprehensive mechanical, plumbing, and sprinkler documentation—a requirement for the new Certificate of Occupancy.

The Transformation: Opening Up While Preserving Character

Despite the building's 1901 construction date, very little original detail remained when the new owners took possession. The team was able to preserve the original staircase but opted for complete renovation of most other elements.

Parlor Floor Transformation

The most dramatic change occurred on the parlor floor, where the team opened up the space front-to-back, creating a flowing living and dining area. This required significant structural work, including steel beam installation to support the new 12-foot opening to the rear deck.

"Everyone wants to open up the parlor floor, make it big, and open up that space," Pankiewicz explains. "It's one of those things that just works for what people want."

The rear of the parlor floor houses a kitchen that flows onto the new deck, while the front serves as the main living and dining space. A clever design element includes a walk-in storage area with children's lockers that leads to a powder room—maximizing both function and style.

Kitchen Specifications

The stunning kitchen anchors the rear of the parlor floor with carefully selected premium finishes that balance luxury with family functionality. The centerpiece is a beautiful Rohl Allia 32-3/4" farmhouse fireclay sink that brings both classic charm and modern practicality to the space. Surrounding the sink, Amendola countertops by Astra Surfaces provide both durability and sophisticated aesthetics that complement the home's refined character.

Custom millwork throughout the kitchen showcases Italian rift sawn white oak veneer with a rich lacquer finish, while the storage wall features Benjamin Moore's Pale Oak in a matching lacquer finish for cohesive elegance. The appliance selection reflects the family's commitment to both performance and design, featuring a 36-inch Miele induction range for precise cooking, a 42-inch Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer combination for ample storage, and integrated Bosch dishwasher and Sharp microwave that maintain the kitchen's clean lines.

Mechanical Systems Upgrade

The home received a complete mechanical overhaul with modern, energy-efficient systems:

• VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) Mitsubishi system for heating and cooling

• ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) for constant fresh air and bathroom exhaust

• Full sprinkler system as required by DOB

• All-electric approach except for the original boiler

"VRF systems, also known as mini splits, are so efficient with power, and super smart—they actually think," Pankiewicz notes. The team used a combination of wall-mounted units in secondary spaces and ducted units in main areas.

Custom Millwork and Finishes Throughout

The project features extensive custom millwork that elevates every room, with the Italian white oak veneer work serving as a particular highlight throughout the parlor floor kitchen.

The paint palette creates a sophisticated backdrop that allows the architectural details to shine. Benjamin Moore's White Dove covers the walls throughout the home, providing a crisp, clean foundation, while Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace adorns the ceilings and wood trim for subtle contrast and depth. The lighting design incorporates fixtures from Visual Comfort and Co., Schoolhouse Electric, and Rejuvenation throughout the living spaces, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms, creating warm, inviting atmospheres tailored to each room's function.

In the bathrooms, Nemo wall tile adds texture and visual interest to the top floor spaces, while the primary bedroom features custom millwork built-ins with the same lacquer finish found throughout the home, ensuring design continuity. Even the laundry receives attention to detail with premium Electrolux equipment that balances performance with the home's elevated aesthetic standards.

Smart Layout Solutions for Modern Families

One of the project's most innovative aspects was the garden level configuration. Rather than the typical approach of converting the entire lower level to rental space, the team split it strategically:

• Front garden level: Small studio apartment with separate entrance

• Rear garden level: Family recreation room with garden access

• Full cellar access: Retained for homeowner storage

"This layout affords the homeowners so much flexibility," Pankiewicz explains. "In the future, one of their parents may be in the studio apartment, or the TV/rec room can double as a guest room. It's a nice layout that really works well for a lot of families."

The top floors were reconfigured to include four bedrooms and two bathrooms on the sleeping floor, with laundry relocated from the cellar to the bedroom level—a practical necessity for any family.

Outdoor Space: The New Deck

The kitchen extension flows onto a new deck whose structure is painted structural steel featuring galvanized steel on the walking surfaces for durability and safety.

Timeline and Logistics: The Reality of Urban Construction

The 12 month construction timeline reflected both the project's complexity and the logistical challenges of working in Park Slope. "Logistically, it was very challenging,” Pankiewicz notes. “A full gut brownstone renovation in the middle of Park Slope with the hospital is nearby, so you can imagine the limitations as far as deliveries and street access. Also, these are longer-term projects that are involved, and you have to have the right team."

The timeline included:

• 5-6 months: Design and approval process

• 10-12 months: Construction

Investment Breakdown

Key investment areas included:

• Structural work: Steel beams, foundation work

• Mechanical systems: VRF, ERV, sprinkler systems

• Custom millwork: Italian white oak throughout

• Premium fixtures and finishes: High-end appliances, lighting, and hardware

• Permits and professional fees: Architect, engineers, expediter

The Final Result

Today, the transformed brownstone serves as a stunning example of how historic preservation and modern family living can coexist. The homeowners now have a space that honors the building's 1901 origins while providing all the conveniences a young family needs.

 "It turned out very nice and they're super happy with the property," Chris notes.

For families considering similar renovations, the project offers a roadmap: assemble experienced professionals, plan thoroughly for regulatory requirements, and don't compromise on quality. As Pankiewicz puts it, "These are serious projects with a team of people working together for over a year. The investment pays off in the long run."

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About The Professionals

Nail on the Head LLC specializes in luxury residential renovations throughout New York City, with particular expertise in historic district buildings, prewar co-ops, and high-end Manhattan apartments. Founder Chris Amplo brings deep knowledge of NYC building systems, preservation requirements, and the unique challenges of renovating in the city's most prestigious neighborhoods.

Philip Pankiewicz Architecture provides comprehensive architectural services for residential renovations throughout New York City, with particular expertise in prewar buildings and historic district projects.

Considering a brownstone renovation in Brooklyn? Nail on the Head Contracting specializes in high-end residential renovations and new construction throughout New York City. Led by Christopher Amplo, our team brings deep expertise to historic brownstone renovations, managing complex projects from gut renovations to luxury new builds. Visit nothcontracting.com to learn more about our comprehensive construction services.