We revere New York’s old row houses, but in the early decades of the 20th century these buildings were seen as “a blight on the city.” In response to this, designers transformed the old houses by redesigning the fronts with stucco and colorful ornament, transformed interiors, turned the utilitarian backyards into gardens, and created a whole new type of urban residential living. This movement, often undertaken by women homeowners and designers, began in Gramercy Park, moved to the Upper East Side, and also impacted the character of Greenwich Village.

Architectural historian, Columbia professor, and Friends advisor Andrew Dolkart will discuss this movement which he investigated in his award-winning book, The Row House Reborn: Architecture and Neighborhoods in New York City, 1908-1929.