Occupying a full city block in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant, The Hartby marks the careful reinvention of a 19th century institutional building into contemporary residences. Originally constructed in 1872 as St. John’s College, the five storey Romanesque Revival structure was designed by Irish-born architect Patrick Keely, whose ecclesiastical works helped shape the architectural identity of Catholic communities across the United States.
For decades, the building served as both an educational and religious centre before later accommodating a succession of community uses. Its latest transformation has been led by Woods Bagot, whose approach balances preservation with contemporary living.
The defining architectural features of this New York landmark remain intact. The robust redbrick exterior, articulated with intricate masonry and rhythmic window openings, encloses a central courtyard that has long served as the building’s spatial and social core. The repetition of tall, arched windows ensures generous daylight throughout, reinforcing the sense of permanence and civic dignity that has characterised the structure for more than 150 years. Woods Bagot retained these defining elements, allowing the architecture’s history to remain clearly legible.
The building’s latest chapter sees its three wings converted into 205 rental residences, ranging from studios to two bedroom apartments. Thoughtfully planned layouts respect the proportions of the original structure, with lofty ceilings, wide-plank flooring and exposed brickwork in selected homes offering subtle reminders of the building’s past. Thirty per cent of the residences are rent-stabilised, ensuring the development continues its longstanding role as part of the local community fabric.
At the centre of the scheme, the landscaped internal courtyard has been reimagined as a private garden for residents, introducing greenery and calm within the dense urban block. A new entrance canopy leads into a double-height lobby, establishing a contemporary point of arrival while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the historic façade, an intervention carefully considered by Woods Bagot to complement the original structure.
A suite of amenities totalling more than 10,000 square feet reflects contemporary patterns of urban living. These include a rooftop terrace designed for dining and social gatherings, a fully equipped fitness centre, communal lounges and shared workspaces.
Positioned between Bed-Stuy and neighbouring Bushwick, The Hartby sits within one of Brooklyn’s most culturally dynamic areas, surrounded by parks, independent cafés, galleries and nightlife. Its transformation reflects a broader shift in how historic structures can be reinterpreted, preserving architectural character while accommodating the evolving needs of city life.
The Hartby Bedford-Stuyvesant Photography, Mike Van Tassell / Alex Staniloff of Gotham Interiors.
