This project is a key milestone in CU-A’s ongoing series of reconditioned apartments in Jackson Heights. Situated in the historic Hawthorne Court complex, built in 1922 as one of the first cooperative housing developments in the United States, the residence demonstrates the firm’s approach to blending preservation with modern living.
CU-A believes that intentional residential design is essential to a fulfilling life. Through their work in Jackson Heights, the firm has seen that while good design is widely desired, it is often inaccessible. This renovation addresses that gap by creating a refined and functional home that supports contemporary lifestyles within a historic context.
The clients, a young couple passionate about cooking, gardening, design, and music, sought to transform their apartment into a personal sanctuary that reflects their interests. The design emphasizes restraint and clarity. Every element, including furniture, plants, appliances, and even food, has purpose, creating a harmonious balance throughout the space. The layout anticipates change, allowing room for the couple’s evolving collection of musical instruments and artwork without compromising the overall composition.
Walls were left minimal to serve as a neutral backdrop for future creativity. The couple’s love of the outdoors informed the apartment’s open, light-filled quality, fostering a sense of connection between indoor and outdoor life. Central areas near the entry foyer were designed without rugs to accommodate their active lifestyle. Sturdy, rustic wooden furniture defines thresholds and shared spaces, offering comfort and durability.
The renovation also honors the larger context of Jackson Heights, where the significance lies in cooperative living and community. CU-A’s design enhances the private interior experience while respecting this legacy, providing a thoughtful, high-quality home within a historic framework.
Architecturally, the transformation focused on openness and continuity. Select walls were removed to connect key spaces. The wall between the kitchen and bathroom was lowered to incorporate a clerestory, establishing visual connection and daylight flow. Traditional wood trim was replaced with precise reveals, giving the apartment a clean, contemporary character.
The resulting layout reinforces the spirit of the Jackson Heights “garden apartments” by emphasizing light, air, and spatial openness. The open kitchen flows into an interconnected living and dining area, creating a fluid and adaptable home. CU-A’s design preserves the historic character of the building while delivering a modern, functional, and personal space that supports the clients’ lifestyle.
