Photo credit: Brown Harris Stevens
This condo at 463 West 142nd Street begins with the unique details—like double-height ceilings and arched windows—that come with its former life as a church convent. This pre-war frame holds a loft-like interior with thoroughly modern infrastructure. Asking $2,075,000, the colorful space has the advantage of condo convenience, in the heart of historic Hamilton Heights.
The apartment building was built in 1912 as a convent for Our Lady of Lourdes church, which was landmarked by the city in 1975. According to the designation report from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the church is one of the earliest examples of adaptive reuse in the city, with the use of architectural elements from three iconic 19th-century buildings: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the A.T. Stewart Mansion, and the National Academy of Design.
Following a conversion led by Alexander Compango Architecture, the convent now holds 14 apartments, with original elements beautifully preserved. Those historic details are what pulled in current owners Katharine and Joe Losavio, who toured just this one apartment before making an offer.
“We were drawn in by the Neo-Gothic arch, expansive space, and dramatic cathedral ceilings,” Katharine told 6sqft. And with the historic church next door, “when we look out the windows, we almost feel like we are transported to a romantic European city,” she added.
Katharine and Joe were able to preserve the home’s stunning original architecture while adding modern upgrades. To give the space the drama it deserves, the couple embraced a maximalist aesthetic, with jewel tones, contrasting geometric patterns, and metallics. For the main bedroom, a blend of “maximalist cottage/English country” was in order, adding vintage pieces, lighting, and candles to complement the neighboring church.
“We always knew that the space deserved all the drama possible, so we leaned into the maximalism while also keeping some elements simple to avoid tipping into grand-Maximal or Victorian,” Katharine said. “Ultimately, we had a ton of fun and are thrilled with the finished product!”
A dramatic great room is at the center of the home, opening beneath cove ceilings punctuated by massive refectory windows. The apartment is the only one in the building with fully preserved ceilings. Wide plank flooring in pale oak modernizes the space, framed by walls dressed in Adirondack green and crisp white.
The great room is comprised of living and dining areas. To one side, a spiral stair winds its way to the mezzanine above.
A sleek, capable kitchen is open to the great room, anchored by a seating island. There’s plenty of counter space along with integrated appliances and modern loft lighting.
Off one end of the kitchen, a private patio awaits al fresco dining and entertaining.
There are two bedrooms—one with a large walk-in closet. An open mezzanine space can be used as a bedroom or office. Three full baths add to the home’s flexibility.
The boutique condominium offers residents the security of a virtual doorman system. Additional perks include a package room and a shared, furnished roof deck.
The neighborhood is a perk on its own. The Losavios, who previously lived in Harlem, were drawn to Hamilton Heights for its greenery, history, and landmarked architecture.
“It has a rich history and is incredibly diverse. It is truly one of the most beautiful pockets in NYC,” Katharine said.
[Listing details: 463 West 142nd Street #2B at CityRealty]
[At Brown Harris Stevens by Michael Kelley-Bradford]
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Photo credit: Brown Harris Stevens
