We’ve written about many buildings in the city that have been repurposed for residential use.  We’ve seen former schools, churches, carriage houses and factories of every kind converted.  These buildings outlived their original use and keen developers seized the opportunity to transform the properties while maintaining their historical roots.

300 East 4th Street is one such property, a former rectory which has been smartly converted into twenty co-operative apartments.  Apartment 3-B combines the historical character of the late 19th century structure with today’s conveniences;  the end result is a meticulously renovated loft style one bedroom and the latest edition to our  “Apartments We Love” series.

The landmarked building commands the southwest corner of East 4^th Street and Avenue C in the East Village. Built in 1875, the co-op once served as the rectory for nearby Holy Cross Church. The building’s red brick façade is embossed with a row of several small crosses above each of the window lines distinguishing its past religious affiliation.

Apartment 3B is a dramatic loft style home which features 12-foot ceilings, walls of exposed brick, steel beams and oak strip floors.  This bespoke renovation complements the bones of the space.

The allure of the home starts with the floor-to-ceiling bricks that extend the full length of the apartment, from the kitchen through the living room.  The bricks, part of the original structure have been meticulously restored and beautifully frame the four north-facing windows.   A slatted custom walnut bench hugs the living room wall, providing a wealth of hidden storage as well as a place to kick back.

While there is a small foyer, it’s really the area above the foyer that should be noted.  There is a storage mezzanine (15′ x 7’8”) that sits above the entry area and provides a hideaway for just about anything.  The clever design fronts the kitchen and displays an open glass pantry and rows of overhead storage.  Access to the higher cabinets is provided by a Putnam Co. rolling ladder.   

The open kitchen is both inviting and sublime.  It’s beauty lies in its simplicity  The palette of curated materials perfectly blend with the brick walls. Salvaged butternut wood and vintage chicken wire glass was used to create the kitchen’s custom cabinetry. The floor-to-ceiling pantry wall is constructed with burnished steel and chicken wire glass.  Both sets of cabinetry were built in Brooklyn design shops; a nice touch for sure.

A custom island built from reclaimed wood taken from an old water tower acts as a threshold to the kitchen space.   An authentic Murano Glass chandelier hangs above the island.  

Enter the bedroom through an original brick archway.  The design matches the rest of the home, sporting high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling bricks. The bedroom’s pointed arch window is paired with a custom wooden shutter.  Floor-to-ceiling closets, fit with custom Shoji Screens, line the back wall.  A rolling ladder is provided for easy access to the upper portion of the closet.  

The home has one bath, just off the foyer entrance. It features exposed wood beams, custom lighting, an extra deep soaking tub and stone tile flooring.

The building offers a furnished roof deck with grills, bike storage and a common laundry room.  Pets are welcome.

The current asking price for this East Village residence is $1,195,000.  The apartment is being represented by Jonah Katz and Lyon Porter of Compass. For more information about this spectacular home, please visit Linecity.com.