1920 Multi-Family Residence in New York With a Top-Floor Apartment, Updated Kitchen, and Private Driveway (With Home Plan)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

This historic two-family home, located in the sought-after Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, offers a rare opportunity with its combined lots on 54th Street. Built in the early 20th century, this brick residence features classic architectural details typical of the era. The spacious owner’s duplex includes seven bedrooms and updated bathrooms, alongside a separate top-floor apartment with three bedrooms, ideal for rental income or extended family. Recent renovations include an updated kitchen and bathrooms. The property boasts an expansive garage for four cars plus a private driveway for two more, total buildable space of about 8,000 sq. ft., and is listed at $4,000,000, presenting strong development potential in a prime location.

Home Plan

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Detailed architectural layout of a multi-story historic American home. The plan includes a spacious basement, a large garage, and multiple floors with designated areas such as living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, an office, and a kitchen. The rooms are carefully proportioned, with hallways and staircases connecting each level. A backyard and storage areas are also depicted. Each floor shows a mix of private and communal spaces, indicating a classic residential design with emphasis on functionality and separation of living areas across floors. The property balances indoor and outdoor space efficiently.

Living Room Seating Area

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

The room is elongated with a wooden plank floor that echoes the dark wood wainscoting along the lower walls. Soft peach-toned, tufted upholstery sofas and an armchair with intricately carved wooden frames form a traditional seating arrangement. A bay window lined with lace curtains lets in diffused natural light, complementing the understated cream walls and wood ceiling tiles. A small built-in bookshelf occupies the corner near the commercial-style wooden French doors draped with similar lace panels. The lighting includes a flower-shaped standing lamp adding a delicate, warm accent to the vintage setting.

Living Room Seating Area

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

The living room includes a dark brown leather sofa accented with two decorative pillows featuring animal and abstract patterns. Centered in front of the sofa is a matching leather ottoman. A colorful area rug with intricate designs in hues of beige, blue, orange, and red covers the floor, adding warmth and texture. The walls are painted crisp white, contributing to a bright, clean atmosphere, while sheer white curtains hang over the window on the left. A textured tin ceiling painted in a gold-beige tone adds historic charm. A green plant sits in the corner, bringing a touch of nature indoors. Through the wide, open doorway, a glimpse of a tiled kitchen with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances can be seen. A simple wall clock hangs above the entrance, emphasizing function and minimalism in the space.

Kitchen Interior

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Long row of polished wooden cabinets stained in warm brown tones lines one wall, topped with dark granite countertops. Behind the stove, a backsplash made of small mosaic tiles in various shades of gray adds texture and depth. Stainless steel appliances, including a large double-door refrigerator and a modern gas stove with a vent hood, contrast with the cabinetry. The floor is covered in large, white marble-look tiles with subtle gray veining, reflecting the ample overhead lighting. White trim around the double windows and a white wooden door enhance the brightness against soft gray painted walls. Exposed pipes near the corner hint at the home’s historic architecture.

Bedroom with Minimalist Design

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Neutral tones create a calm ambiance with soft gray walls and white trim. The bed, centered along one wall, has a tufted beige headboard and light gray bedding complemented by a floral red bed skirt peeking underneath. A matching white bedside table sits to the left side, while a large white dresser with multiple drawers is on the opposite wall. A ceiling fan with wooden blades and a light fixture provides overhead lighting. The window to the right is dressed with dark blue curtains patterned in white, introducing a subtle contrast. Flooring features medium-toned wood planks, adding warmth.

Small Bedroom Space

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Painted a soft blue-gray, the compact bedroom includes a single window fitted with beige Venetian blinds filtering natural light. The walls are unadorned, providing a clean and minimalist look. Flooring consists of wide wood planks in muted brown tones, introducing warmth to the otherwise cool-toned room. A ceiling fan is mounted centrally, with a pull cord hanging down. Vertical piping runs from floor to ceiling in one corner, suggesting an older building’s original infrastructure. The space feels narrow and elongated, ideal for a small bed or use as a study or nook.

Front Room Bay Window

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Long rectangular room with dark wood plank flooring and pale grey walls offers a mix of historic and modern. Three large sash windows set in a curved bay with white molding bring in natural light while white paneled wainscoting sits below the windows. Intricate wood molding frames the doors and runs along the walls, hinting at period architecture. The ceiling is smooth and white with contemporary recessed lighting. Small ornate corbels decorate corners near the window alcove. The room appears clean and uncluttered, ready for personalized furnishings and use.

Living Room Space

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Long and narrow room with a polished wooden parquet floor. One wall is clad with faux wood paneling, offering a retro mid-century vibe, while the opposite wall is painted a bold reddish-orange color. Near the windows, the wall is painted yellow, adding a patchwork of colors to the space. Two tall double-hung windows allow natural light in and provide a view of nearby buildings. A cast-iron radiator sits beneath the windows, contributing to the historic feel. The ceiling has a decorative textured design, enhancing the vintage character of the room.

Dining Room Workspace

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

The room blends historic charm with functional modern use, serving as a dining or work area. A rectangular table with a white marble-effect top sits in the center, surrounded by four black wooden chairs, one with a patterned cushion. The walls are painted a soft gray and feature raised panel molding that adds texture and a vintage touch. Flooring is a wood-look laminate in neutral tones, covered partially by a large grayish rug. The deep wooden door and detailed wood trim around the entrance to the adjacent room contrast warmly against the cool wall color. The adjoining room is visible, with neutral-toned curtains and a radiator. A water cooler and water jug add practicality to the space.

Bathroom Shower Area

Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate

Grayish-beige large square tiles cover the walls, creating a neutral and slightly textured backdrop. A simple white pedestal sink with chrome fixtures sits next to a white toilet, both embodying a classic and minimal design. The shower enclosure features a frosted glass door with a silver metallic frame, adding a modern element to the otherwise muted color palette. The ceiling above the shower appears unfinished, showing exposed areas. A small cup holding a brush or similar item is placed on the sink, adding a subtle touch of practicality. The overall aesthetic is utilitarian with a hint of vintage simplicity.

Listing Agent: Amy Koh of Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate via Zillow 

Related Posts

Ten Florida homes with lasting comfort and true character — all still listed and ready for the next generation of owners.
Ten Rhode Island homes near coastal bays that still stand strong — and are still waiting for today’s buyers to arrive.
Ten Tennessee homes built before paved roads arrived — still standing, still solid, and still ready for today’s buyers.
Ten Nevada homes from simpler days still standing strong — and each one is still waiting for a new owner today.
Ten Utah homes built with lasting skill and style — and every one is still available for buyers who value real work.
Ten Arkansas homes that stood the test of time and are still waiting for today’s buyers to walk in.
Ten Pennsylvania homes with lasting quality and original details — still standing strong and ready for today’s interested buyers to move in.
Ten Minnesota homes with real craftsmanship and winter-ready roofs — all still standing strong and listed for buyers right now.
Ten early North Carolina homes with storybook details and solid builds — still listed and ready for buyers who want something different.