MacDonough is a 21-foot-wide Queen Anne brownstone located within a landmarked historic district on one of the neighborhood’s most intact residential blocks. Prior to acquisition, the house had remained in the same family for generations and retained a remarkable amount of original detail.

At the time of purchase, much of the historic woodwork remained in place. Over the course of six months, the woodwork was stripped entirely by hand, allowing doors, millwork, profiles, and finishes to be carefully documented and preserved as the foundation of the restoration. The woodwork was then restained in a lighter, more modern palette.
 

The parlor floor had historically functioned as a library, with the kitchen located at the garden level. A new kitchen was introduced on the parlor floor using newly fabricated woodwork and profiles designed to appear original to the house, allowing the space to read as cohesive rather than inserted. Original brick arches in the basement were retained, reinforcing the building’s underlying structure and character.

The parlor triplex was organized to span the parlor, garden, and basement levels. The basement was fully rebuilt as part of this residence, creating livable space and a dedicated laundry level rather than ancillary storage. The remaining square footage forms an upper duplex completed with the same level of finish and attention to detail.

All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were replaced in their entirety, along with a new roof. Kitchens and bathrooms were rebuilt throughout with restraint, ensuring that modern interventions remained secondary to the restored original elements.
 

MacDonough Street was completed with Grey acting as both developer and general contractor, maintaining direct involvement throughout design and construction. The project reflects a consistent approach across the portfolio: careful handling of original elements, precise insertion of new work, and an emphasis on producing complete, durable residences within historically significant buildings.