London Terrace Towers Historic Pre-War Apartment Renovation
405 W 23rd Street, London Terrace Towers, Chelsea, New York City
Historic Pre-War Co-op
1,670 ft2
2 Bath
Project details
Project Manager
Nihaar Pathak
Construction Time
6 Months
Budget
$150-300k
$300-500K
$500K-1M+
ROI Estimate
35-45%+
Project overview
Situated within the iconic London Terrace Towers, a landmark pre-war cooperative completed in 1930, this residence reflects the enduring architectural presence of the Greek Revival era. With its distinguished façade, grand scale, and ornate detailing, the building is one of Manhattan's most recognizable historic structures. The goal of this renovation was to preserve the apartment's classical character while seamlessly updating the space for contemporary living. Rather than redefining the home entirely, the approach focused on enhancing its heritage with thoughtful, modern design choices that complement its storied past.
Scope of work
Kitchen
- Install Calacatta Turquoise marble for countertop and backsplash.
- Add Matte slim shaker cabinetry and panel-ready pantry and refrigerator fronts maintain clean visual lines.
Bathrooms
- Install marble countertops and new tiles.
- Update plumbing fixtures inspired by 1930s ornamental style, updated in chrome for modern performance.
Throughout the space
- Polish walls and ceilings
Design overview
Marble was the key material throughout the design, creating a luxurious and timeless feel. In the kitchen, we installed a Calacatta Turquoise marble countertop and backsplash. The bathrooms feature beautiful tiles in Calacatta Gold, Nero Marquina, Calacatta Azurri, and Limestone, blending classical charm with modern sophistication.
The kitchen color palette was updated with contemporary shades like dark walnut and taupe. We used matte and slim shaker cabinets with panel-ready pantry and fridge doors to keep a sleek and clean look, blending classic and modern styles seamlessly.
Project goals
Preserve the historical charm of a pre-war landmark.
Introduce modern materials that complement the building's heritage.
Establish a cohesive, marble-driven aesthetic.
“The main goal of this project was to maintain the building's classic elegance while updating the apartment for the 21st century. This renovation honors the building's rich history while creating a functional, elegant, and contemporary home for today's lifestyle.”
Kitchen
The kitchen featured Calacatta Turquoise marble installed across the countertops and backsplash, creating a cohesive and visually striking focal point. The marble's distinctive veining introduced depth and character while maintaining a refined, timeless aesthetic. The color palette was updated with contemporary shades like dark walnut and taupe. We used matte and slim shaker cabinets with panel-ready pantry and fridge doors to keep a sleek and clean look, blending classic and modern styles seamlessly.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms were updated with marble countertops and newly installed tilework, enhancing both durability and visual elegance. The material selections reinforced a timeless design approach while improving overall brightness and spatial clarity. Plumbing fixtures were upgraded with designs inspired by 1930s ornamental styles, reimagined in polished chrome to deliver modern performance while honoring historical detailing. This combination added a subtle layer of sophistication to each bathroom.
Throughout the space
Walls and ceilings throughout the residence were polished to a smooth, refined finish, improving light reflection and providing a cohesive backdrop for architectural and material elements. This treatment unified the interior spaces and elevated the overall finish quality.
Materials & finishes
(kitchen)
with classic detailing
Results
The renovation highlights the rich history of London Terrace Towers while integrating modern elegance throughout the home. The balance between classical elements and contemporary updates creates a residence that feels both timeless and highly functional.
“Working within a building as iconic as London Terrace Towers is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our clients wanted to preserve the architectural history while giving the interiors a fresh sense of modern comfort. This renovation achieves that balance beautifully.”
