Hoboken is renowned for its historic homes and stunning apartment buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century. These properties often come with hefty price tags that can reach well into seven figures. They frequently require extensive renovations to modernize their interiors while preserving their historical charm.
One such remarkable transformation is the renovation of a Gothic Revival apartment building at 920 Hudson Street by Atif Qadir, Founder of Amanat Properties and host of the American Building podcast. This blog post delves into the meticulous process and innovative design choices that turned a dilapidated two-bedroom unit into a bright, modern “treehouse” in the city.
The Vision Behind the Renovation
Atif Qadir, an MIT-trained architect and Hoboken Planning Board Commissioner, embarked on the ambitious project of renovating his own home at 920 Hudson Street. Inspired by his parents’ appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship, Qadir aimed to create a living space that honored the building’s architectural heritage while embracing modern design principles.
The Challenges
Qadir faced numerous challenges in transforming the rundown 900-square-foot unit. The apartment had banged-up floors, sagging ceilings, and an outdated bathroom and kitchen. The goal was to create a bright and open layout that maximized the space and stayed true to the building’s Gothic Revival architecture.
The inspiration for the design came from the towering trees lining Hudson Street. Qadir envisioned the apartment as a treehouse perched atop the Bradford Pear, London Plane Trees, and Lindens.
Assembling the Dream Team
To bring his vision to life, Qadir assembled a team of experts:
- Camila Crazut: The designer, raised in Venezuela, earned her degree from the country’s top architecture school and a master’s in interior design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
- Alberto Mata: General contractor from M&I Home Improvement.
- Nick Cronin: Managed plumbing through Cronin Plumbing.
- Orlando Colon: Handled electrical work via D&O Electric.
Design and Material Choices
The renovation focused on trading the dark and dingy atmosphere for a light and airy feel. The kitchen was outfitted with Fisher Paykel appliances and Danish cabinets from Reform Kitchens.
Viscount white stone counters, tile from Garden State Tile, Grohe fixtures, and Carrera white marble trims were used to enhance the space.
Sustainability and Functionality
Sustainability was a critical aspect of the project. A refurbished refrigerator from Renovation Angel towers above the bright kitchen, emphasizing eco-friendly choices.
The furniture selection included pieces from Article, Urban Outfitters, and the Museum of Modern Art, all contributing to the fresh and modern design.
Innovative Features
The apartment includes several innovative features:
- A moveable white oak trim by Andor Willow allows one room to convert into a bedroom.
- A Vestaboard adds both functionality and artistic flair to the flex room, offering a customizable feature to the space.
- The television is framed to look like Samsung’s The Frame, blending seamlessly into the modern aesthetic.
Honoring Heritage
Qadir paid homage to his family’s Indian and Pakistani roots with a striking handmade Indian rug from Dover Rugs anchoring the living room. This element ties the modern design to his cultural heritage, creating a space that reflects both past and present.
Final Transformation
The reimagined home now boasts eight giant windows. They flood the open layout with light, making it feel much larger than its original cramped state.
The kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space have all been transformed. They capture the essence of a treehouse in the city.
The result is a harmonious blend of historical charm and contemporary design. It offers a unique living experience in Hoboken.
For more details on this remarkable renovation, visit Jersey Digs.