As New York City marks its 400th anniversary, it remains a place of reinvention—where history and progress exist in constant dialogue. From cobblestone streets to soaring skyscrapers, each era has left its mark, shaping a city that honors its past while embracing the future. Few know this better than Brown Harris Stevens, the city’s oldest residential brokerage. Founded in 1873, BHS predates the Brooklyn Bridge, the completion of Central Park, and the opening of Ellis Island, standing as a witness to New York’s ever-evolving landscape.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re spotlighting homes that capture the essence of NYC’s enduring spirit—residences where history is not just preserved but reimagined. From landmark buildings transformed into modern luxury to historic brownstones with contemporary updates, these properties reflect the city’s timeless resilience and enduring legacy.
77 Bedford Street - West Village
Built in 1799, 77 Bedford Street, known as the Isaacs-Hendricks House, is the oldest home in the West Village and a rare example of New York City’s rich history preserved. This Federal-style townhouse, once owned by copper merchants tied to Paul Revere, combines centuries-old craftsmanship—wide-plank yellow pine floors, six wood-burning fireplaces, and copper accents—with modern comforts like updated mechanicals and energy-efficient windows. Situated at the corner of Bedford and Commerce Streets, this home is a timeless testament to the city’s ability to honor its past while evolving for the future.
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1 West 123rd Street - South Harlem
Built in 1890 for John Dwight, co-founder of Arm & Hammer, this neo-Renaissance Revival townhouse at 1 West 123rd Street is a triumph of historic preservation. Winner of the 2022 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, the home was meticulously restored by British poet James Fenton and writer Darryl Pinckney, working with architect Samuel G. White to revive its Gilded Age splendor.
With over 50 windows, eight fireplaces, and remarkable restored details, The John Dwight House is a shining example of honoring the past while embracing the future.
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1 Central Park South - Midtown West
305 Second Avenue - Gramercy Park
The Plaza, opened in 1907, has long been a symbol of New York City’s glamour and history. While its legacy as a hotel is world-renowned, its transformation into The Plaza Residences in 2008 added a new chapter to its storied history. Preserving its Beaux-Arts architecture, The Plaza now offers luxurious residences that combine timeless opulence with modern convenience.
Residence #1901 exemplifies this balance, blending the grandeur of New York’s most iconic hotel with the comforts of contemporary living—soaring ceilings, Central Park views, and five-star amenities in a landmark that has defined elegance for over a century.
Built in 1901 as a philanthropic gift to New York City from J.P. Morgan, Rutherford Place has witnessed generations of transformation. Once home to the Lying-In Hospital, where 60% of Manhattan’s hospital births took place between 1902 and 1934, the building later served as part of Beth Israel Medical Center and a drug treatment facility before its conversion into luxury residences in the 1980s.
While the building’s purpose has shifted over the past 124 years, its exterior architecture—designed by Robert H. Robertson—remains original. Landmark status, granted in 1983, ensures its terracotta, brick, and limestone facade will endure for future generations.
Residence #719 exemplifies this seamless blend of history and modernity, featuring soaring 16-foot ceilings, oversized corner windows, and a fully renovated chef’s kitchen. Rutherford Place stands as a testament to New York City’s ability to preserve its past while embracing the future.
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From landmarked residences to architecturally significant conversions, these homes reflect New York City’s ability to evolve while honoring its history—a legacy 400 years in the making.
