For some discerning buyers, a building constructed a grandeur with modern design innovation,” said Myles Horn, Managing Partner of Glacier Equities. century ago demands greater Insisting it represents a rare find in today’s market, consideration than the latest Horn said of prospective buyers, “While they supertall, contemporary tower. come from diverse backgrounds, they share an appreciation for elegant design, architectural legacy, and an amenity-rich lifestyle afforded by a Offsetting the trend of luxury home buyers prestigious address.” gravitating to glistening, newly-built towers is the enduring attraction of pre-war buildings Claire Staszak, Principal Designer and Owner of with old-world craftsmanship, high ceilings, Chicago-based Centered by Design—the firm’s and lobbies emitting timeless elegance. portfolio includes both pre-war condominiums Through meticulous restoration and updates, and single-family homes—reported robust structures built between the Gilded Age and demand for vintage residences. “It’s not a matter World War II reveal their true luster. of multi-family or single-family, but a decision by buyers to embrace historic properties,” said Developers are converting historic office Staszak of her clients’ motivations. “Pre-war or hotel buildings into luxury condominium buildings are appealing to many buyers because projects, with world-class interior designers they provide more of a single-family lifestyle but elevating original architectural elements. with a doorman, less upkeep, and, in the case of Stately pre-war structures overlook Central Chicago, a view of the lake,” she said. Park in Manhattan, but such buildings command premiums across the country. The Characterizing her firm’s approach to updating craftsmanship that draws luxury buyers to pre-war interiors, Staszak stated, “We try to these properties also distinguishes the era’s preserve and showcase historic elements single-family residences. but present them in a modern, fresh way.” The designer observes, “Our single-family clients In New York, few pre-war structures carry as tend to be young families who really appreciate Our single-family much cachet value as The Astor, built in 1901 architecture and a sense of history.” Staszak by hotelier William Waldorf Astor. Ryan Harter, explained, “They’re willing to restore these clients tend to be Principal of CIM Group—the company that properties because they can’t be recreated at young families who undertook the building’s recent reimagination the same price point.” really appreciate with interior design firm Pembrooke & Ives— t reported, “Pre-war buildings like The Astor Restoration of large multistory residential r architecture and a captivate luxury buyers with their timeless buildings is not as prevalent in San Francisco e b l a sense of history.” architectural details and inimitable charm.” as New York or Chicago, submitted Peter r T Citing the venerable building’s carefully Chovanes, Associate Broker and Luxury e h t Claire Staszak, restored marble-wrapped wood-burning Collection Specialist at Berkshire Hathaway a e fireplaces and grand lobby showcasing vintage HomeServices Drysdale Properties. But the . Owner, Centered by Design ) f Ht elegance, he added, “Combining these one-of- veteran San Francisco agent sees sustained h g y oi a-kind features with contemporary upgrades interest in the revitalization of the charming s e p r t r o creates the perfect experience for modern single-family homes or townhouses that define u t o s ( buyers.” One of three spectacular penthouses, the city. “Buyers of old Victorian or Edwardian e ; cl ) n u featuring modern architecture that discreetly homes like the traditional exteriors—they i a crowns the turn-of-the-century structure, is really appreciate the properties’ detailed m e & J n s (i currently offered at $13.95 million. woodwork—but tend to strip down the interiors o d i d n u a to be modern and tech-worthy,” said Chovanes. t m 720 West End Avenue, a classic 17-story “The current trend is to paint the exteriors in n Sf A a Renaissance Revival-style building originally more neutral tones, rather than the ‘Painted y y o Main: n s i e The Astor at 235 West 75th designed as a hotel, is being transformed into Ladies’ look,” he said, referring to the vibrantly- t f Br u Street, built in 1901. 131 luxury residences (available spring 2025), colored Victorian townhouses long considered y oo s ; c including a penthouse with sweeping Hudson a quintessential San Francisco aesthetic. e ) t t Bottom Left: r f River views priced at $11.6 million. “The thoughtful When these old homes are restored, maxing u e Interior design by Claire Staszak. o m l revival of Emery Roth’s 1927 design with out the allowable square footage and elevating o co t Top Right: o tt contemporary interiors by Thomas Juul-Hansen interiors, they appeal to well-heeled technology h o b Portrait of Claire Staszak. P ( creates a seamless integration of historical executives, reported Chovanes. BERKSHIREHATHAWAYHS.COM 75