HANCOCK - BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Hancock is a five-story 1891 Queen Anne brownstone reconstructed from a vacant shell. At acquisition, the building retained only its four masonry walls and deteriorated façade; all interior partitions, finishes, windows, and mechanical systems had been removed.

The project was undertaken as a full restoration, guided by the house’s original proportions and details. Historic molding profiles were researched and reproduced. Floor inlays were carefully re-created. Plaster ornamentation was cast and installed throughout, bringing back the weight and presence of the original interiors. All woodwork was removed, restored where possible, and remade where necessary to match original profiles.

The scope of work extended well beyond visible finishes. New structural elements were introduced where required, and the building was comprehensively rebuilt behind the walls. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were replaced in their entirety, including high-efficiency Mitsubishi HVAC and new Marvin windows throughout, allowing modern performance to remain visually unobtrusive.

The house was organized as distinct, independent residences, each designed and finished with the same level of care and attention. The primary residence occupies the parlor and upper levels as a triplex, while the remaining residences were executed with consistent material decisions and finish quality. Modern kitchens and baths were introduced with restraint, calibrated to sit comfortably within the restored framework.

Hancock Street was completed with Grey acting as both developer and general contractor, maintaining direct involvement throughout design and construction. The project established an approach that continues to guide the work: careful decision-making, close attention to craftsmanship, and a commitment to building in a way that allows old and new to coexist without friction.