This rare West Village firehouse, built circa early 1900s, showcases historic charm with its traditional brick facade and intricate stonework. Transformed into a 6,850 sq ft, five-story townhouse, it combines classic firehouse architecture with modern luxury, featuring a private elevator, exposed beams, and soaring ceilings. Situated in New York City, this multi-use zoned home includes a four-car garage, a lush 1,000 sq ft terrace, and a versatile lower-level jazz club. Recently renovated with state-of-the-art systems like Lutron lighting and motorized shades, it offers a unique urban living experience. Listed at $21 million, this iconic property marries history, elegance, and functionality on a coveted Manhattan plot.

Home Plan

Five-level layout with a mix of living, working, and recreational spaces. The lower level includes offices, lounge, storage, and mechanical areas. Ground floor integrates a large media room, additional storage, foyer, and garage. Second floor hosts the main living areas: spacious living room with fireplace, dining area, and an expansive kitchen opening to a rooftop terrace bordered by greenery. Third floor contains bedrooms including a primary suite, bathrooms, and laundry, with an open space visible from below. The top floor has a bedroom with bath, terrace, and roof deck with elevator access, blending comfort and modern convenience in a historic setting.

Building Front

A striking three-story structure with a red brick façade, the Sotheby’s International Realty building stands with refined elegance. Its architectural details include large windows, arched wooden doors, and decorative stonework, reflecting a blend of historic charm and modern prestige. The building’s association with the renowned real estate company adds to its significance. Flanked by taller structures, it maintains a distinct presence with its ornate window frames and bold branding, highlighted by the address number “78” on the ground floor.

Dining Area and Living Room

A spacious dining area with a long wooden table surrounded by eight dark wood chairs stands on warm wooden flooring. A large pixelated mosaic artwork spans the height of a tall exposed brick wall, drawing the eye upward toward a skylight that floods the space with natural light. To the right, a cozy living area with soft white sofas rests on a dark rug. The ceiling features exposed wooden beams, and a sculptural fireplace with an abstract wall accent adds a modern artistic touch to the room’s historic industrial charm.

Living Room Seating Area

Spacious living room with exposed brick wall as focal point, complemented by a large contemporary abstract painting. The ceiling features rustic wooden beams adding warmth and character. Two plush, modern armchairs in cream contrast with a warm brown sectional sofa arranged around an organic, dark stone coffee table. Large industrial-style windows on the left wall flood the room with natural light, highlighting the wooden flooring and textured dark gray wall on the right. A textured gray area rug anchors the seating arrangement, blending modern design with rustic architectural elements beautifully.

Living Room Fireplace

The space centers around a striking dark marble fireplace with a classic rectangular opening and a robust mantel. Its deep veins contrast with the light-colored, textured wall behind the fireplace that features an abstract white sculptural art piece, adding a modern touch to the room. Exposed brick walls add rustic charm and warmth, complemented by a wooden beam ceiling that highlights the room’s historic character. The furnishings include plush, cream-colored armchairs positioned symmetrically to face the fireplace, enhancing comfort and balance. A dark area rug anchors the seating area, while vibrant red and orange flowers add a lively pop of color.

Modern Kitchen Island

Exposed brick walls and visible ceiling beams create a rustic, industrial backdrop for a modern kitchen. The central island features a geometric pattern in muted earth tones—rust, gray, and natural wood textures—that complements the warm hardwood floor. Pendant lights with reflective brass or gold finishes hang above the island, adding a contemporary, luxurious touch. Large black-framed windows flood the space with natural light while providing a striking contrast to the brick. A cozy curved banquette with beige upholstery and a wooden dining set sit along the right wall, merging comfort with style in this bright, open kitchen.

Kitchen Island and Cabinets

The kitchen combines exposed brick walls with a warm wooden floor and ceiling beams, creating an industrial yet cozy ambiance. The cabinetry and central island display a geometric pattern in muted earth tones—soft pink, beige, gray, and blue—adding a modern artistic flair. The island includes a sleek built-in sink and is accompanied by three wooden stools with cushioned seats. Stainless steel appliances, including a large refrigerator and double ovens, line the left. Three reflective golden globe pendant lights hang above the island, enhancing the blend of rustic and contemporary design elements.

Outdoor Terrace Seating

A modern outdoor terrace with a round black table surrounded by four black chairs with wooden armrests sits under a canopy supported by wooden posts. The patio is paved with large light gray stone tiles, creating a clean, contemporary surface. Raised wooden planters line the space on both sides, filled with lush green plants and trees, while thick vertical green hedges provide privacy and a natural backdrop. At the far end, two plush cream-colored lounge chairs face inward, perfect for relaxation. Urban buildings are visible beyond the greenery, blending nature with city living.

Outdoor Patio Seating

A sophisticated outdoor patio with lush greenery encloses the space, creating a serene garden ambiance. Tall hedges and leafy trees line raised wooden planters filled with colorful flowers. Two uniquely designed, cushioned lounge chairs face a modern firepit set into the light stone tile floor. At the far end, a striking brick façade with large industrial-style black-framed windows serves as a backdrop. An elegant wooden pergola with curved beams shades a sleek dining table and black chairs, blending natural and contemporary elements beautifully.

Modern Living Room Details

Curved, plush beige sofas create a cozy seating area centered around an elongated wood coffee table adorned with decorative books and sculptures. A large, abstract painting with pink, white, and gray tones anchors one wood-paneled wall, while opposite it, multiple oversized mirrors reflect the room’s elements, expanding the visual space. The ceiling is painted black with a visible duct system and modern track lighting, complemented by a skylight. The back wall’s exposed brick adds texture alongside sculptural black figures on pedestals, combining contemporary design with raw industrial touches and mid-century modern furniture accents.

Music Lounge

Exposed brick walls paired with a textured ceiling and dark hexagonal floor tiles create a rustic yet refined ambiance. A small elevated stage is framed by rich, deep red curtains, housing a drum set and keyboard, emphasizing the room’s function as a music or performance lounge. The seating consists of plush velvet chairs and armchairs in burgundy and brown tones, some with decorative fringed skirts, arranged in conversational groupings. Soft, sculptural wall lights cast a warm glow onto metallic bronze walls adorned with delicate landscape murals, blending vintage charm with modern luxe elements.

Master Bedroom Details

A spacious master bedroom with a serene, contemporary aesthetic. The room is bathed in natural light from large black-framed windows draped with soft beige curtains. A plush beige carpet covers the floor, complementing the neutral-toned paneled headboard and muted bedding, accented with rust-colored and patterned pillows. A unique chandelier with delicate pastel-hued elements hangs from the ceiling, serving as a striking focal point. On one side, a sleek wooden nightstand and, opposite the bed, a modern floating sideboard with vertical slats supports decorative vases and a round mirror, enhancing the airy atmosphere.

Bathroom Floor Detail

The bathroom combines modern minimalism with vibrant patterned flooring that draws immediate attention. The floor is a mosaic of floral-inspired tiles in warm reds, purples, creams, and blues, creating a lively contrast against the predominantly white space. Walls and countertops are clad in crisp white marble with subtle grey veining, enhancing a sense of sleekness and brightness. A white vanity with silver hardware runs along one side, topped by the same marble. Two white towels hang on a metal rack next to a clear glass shower door, keeping the look clean and functional beneath a high, white ceiling with recessed lighting.

Bedroom Interior View

Tall windows with black frames allow ample natural light, contrasting against soft gray walls. A large, beige upholstered bed is centered against the back wall, dressed in white linens with pops of mustard yellow pillows and a cozy patterned throw. Matching bedside tables, each topped with a modern white lamp, flank the bed. The ceiling is painted matte black and adorned with an artistic metallic floral chandelier for dramatic effect. The floor is covered with a light-toned plush carpet that unifies the space, while a textured white armchair near the window provides a cozy reading nook.

Bathroom Vanity and Tub

A sleek modern bathroom with a neutral-toned tile wall and black vanity cabinetry. The vanity counter is a polished stone surface with a built-in sink and chrome faucet. Above the vanity hangs a large mirror framed in black, enhancing the room’s contemporary look. A white toilet with clean lines sits adjacent to the vanity. The bathtub, enclosed with a clear glass panel, features a rainfall showerhead mounted on the ceiling. The floor is dark, contrasting with the light tile walls. White towels are neatly hung on a rail beside the tub, adding to the room’s minimalist yet refined aesthetic.

Living Room Details

The space contains a plush, beige sectional sofa complemented by two dark navy throw pillows, creating a comfortable and modern lounge area. A light wooden oval coffee table sits on a neutral-toned rug, displaying a decorative vase with simple branches and a couple of books. Adjacent to the sectional, a unique white textured armchair and small round side table enhance the seating arrangement. A large abstract painting with colors of teal, dark blue, and peach adds a splash of color to the otherwise white walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed in black metal flood the room with natural light and offer views of a manicured hedge and cityscape outside.

Urban Patio Seating

A cozy outdoor patio nestled between tall brick and concrete buildings creates a private urban oasis. The space is defined by lush, tall greenery walls, with a striking red-leaved tree providing vivid color contrast against the dense green foliage. Light neutral tones dominate the furniture, including a long cushioned sofa with blue-gray pillows, woven armchairs, and a large round coffee table on a natural fiber outdoor rug. A large cream umbrella offers shade, while multiple planters with lavender and leafy shrubs soften the tiled floor’s clean lines. The mix of natural textures and urban backdrop gives a calm yet sophisticated ambience.

Bathroom Vanity and Shower

Sleek, modern bathroom with light beige textured wall tiles creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. A white vanity cabinet topped with a rich brown countertop contrasts with the surrounding neutral tones. The under-mounted sink is minimalist, complemented by polished faucet fixtures. A square-framed mirror with clean white borders hangs above the vanity. To the right, a frameless glass shower enclosure features dark marble flooring and a built-in niche, adding both function and style. The space blends natural materials and clean lines, with a black toilet seat adding a subtle contemporary edge against the mostly beige and earthy color palette.

Spiral Staircase Corner

A tightly confined corner illuminated by natural light highlights a dramatic black spiral staircase with ornate wrought iron balusters. The staircase ascends against exposed red brick walls, contrasting with sleek modern elements like black window frames and doors. The floor is a smooth, light concrete surface interrupted by hints of an aged yellow and gray rug or paint detail near the base of the staircase. The interplay between industrial raw brickwork and refined black metal creates a sophisticated blend of historic and contemporary design aesthetics, emphasizing verticality and space efficiency.

Entry Hall

A long, spacious entry hall with a smooth, pale floor reflecting the abundant natural light. One wall is crafted from exposed, weathered bricks providing rustic warmth and texture, contrasting with the pristine white ceiling and opposite wall. Sleek, modern track lighting runs along the ceiling, highlighting the brick feature. At the far end, tall double wooden doors with glass panels bring in additional light and invite entry, enhancing the room’s open and airy feeling. Minimalist in design, the space balances historic character with contemporary simplicity.

Entryway Double Doors

Massive wooden double doors form the focal point with divided glass panes in the upper half, allowing natural light to filter through. The doors have a sturdy, classic design with solid wood panels below the window sections. The walls and ceiling are painted a crisp white, contributing to a bright and clean atmosphere. Black metal horizontal rails line the walls on both sides, extending partially into the space, adding contrast and an industrial touch. The floor is smooth and light-toned, enhancing the sense of openness. Minimalist and functional, this space combines traditional wooden elements with modern simplicity.

Listing Agent: Jeremy Stein of Sotheby’s International Realty via Zillow