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ABOVE & FACING PAGE: When we renovated this 19th century South End brownstone, we sought a contemporary design that respected the historic character of the house
while serving the needs of a family of five. We removed both structural and non-structural walls on the garden level to create an open family living space f ront to back. We
opened the rear façade with a large steel window and door, which leads to a balcony and garden access. We also carved out a new mudroom, pantry, and half bath, and
opened up the stair to the basement, which houses a rec room, bedroom, and bar for the back garden. Everything is designed to maximize storage but not look like the
entire floor is cabinetry, so we made creative use of every possible space with sliding panels and hidden doors. The formal parlor on the second floor was restored and the
ornate decorative plaster and woodwork was complemented by contemporary fixtures and furnishings.
Photographs by Nat Rea
See more about Catherine Truman Architects on page 457
