A woman’s residence in New York in the 1930s has been transformed into a luxurious apartment

The historic building, once housed women seeking education and work in New York City in the 1930s, has been reimagined as a gorgeous residential complex.

Located on 118 West 13th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village district, Catherine is a seven-storey building that combines prewar elements with a sophisticated modern touch.

Designed in collaboration with BKSK Architects, the building marks the first ever residential development project by interior designer Nate Berkus. The New York Times bestselling author was known for his regular appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show before hosting his own series The Nate Berkus Show.

When sales go on sale later this spring, the collection of eight residential buildings, including the penthouse, will be available for purchase starting at around $9.5 million.

The majority of Katherine’s apartments are four bedroom homes, and a spokesman for the company behind the project told Newsweek, explaining that the number of bedrooms for each residence has not yet been released and cannot be shared at this point.

Berks was drawn to the opportunity to design a neighborhood residence that had inspired him for a long time.

“I’ve been calling Greenwich Village Homes for many years and have always been inspired by the charm and vibrancy of the neighborhood,” Burks told Newsweek. “It was instantly yes as I approached working on Catherine, a historic building in the heart of the village. It was a great opportunity to design a space that reflects the energy that made this part of New York City special.”

Famous past

Originally built in 1930 as Catherine House in Ladies Christian Union, the building was designed by Benjamin Wister Morris, the late architect known for other iconic urban landmarks, including the Union League Club on Park Avenue and the Cunard Building.

Designed to provide independent living opportunities for women moving to New York City for education and employment, the building marked a new architectural typology at the time it emerged to address the growing demand for housing among single female professionals. Its lower floor featured an elegant communal parlour to entertain guests, while the upper floors featured a more modest bedroom.

Now, almost a century later, Catherine has been restored and transformed into a luxurious residential building that celebrates its architectural heritage.

“Bksk Architects did an incredible job of carefully restoring the building’s architecture and façade to its previous glory,” says Berkus. “The original bay windows are no longer there, but the team has thoughtfully designed something new to honor the original design and bring the charm of the neighborhood to their respective homes,” he pointed out.

Taking inspiration from Uptown, a classic pre-war residence, Berks sought to rethink these timeless elements with modern sensibilities. “We have reinterpreted these timeless elements through more modern lenses, including details such as custom millwork and vintage Italian lighting. As a result, we have a collection of homes that feel both a stately home,” he explained.

“An imposing and classic” shelter

Catherine’s eight homes follow a similar full-floor layout and offer a spacious living area surrounded by the building’s brick exterior and oversized bay windows. “Each home is designed to provide a versatile mix of spaces ideal for everyday New York-style living,” Burks said.

The selected home also features a private outdoor terrace, direct keyed elevator access, and extensive views of the surrounding gardens and skyline. Throughout the residence, Berks created spaces that unfold with a sense of intentional discovery, including curated design elements such as stone flooring, custom marble fireplaces and carefully crafted millwork.

“We wanted to celebrate the building’s storied past, but we wanted to create something new and unexpected. The village is one of the most dynamic places we call home and one of the most energetic places to raise a family,” Burks said. “We designed the interior to feel proud and classic… an elegant shelter where sophisticated New Yorkers instinctively appreciate.”

Berkus oversaw everything from floorplan layout to material selection and took a hands-on approach. His favorite aspect of the residence is “a spacious living room and kitchen,” which is “very functional but elegantly appointed.”

Each Katherine home is designed with a focus on sophisticated craftsmanship and functionality. Homeowners experience carefully tuned details, including large south-facing windows and unique stone floor patterns.

Development amenities further enhance the luxurious living experience. Residents will enjoy a 24-hour participating lobby, a landscaping rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, a fully equipped fitness studio with yoga terraces, and a private storage unit included in each home.

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