Inside a 1930s NYC women’s residence transformed into luxury apartments

A historic building that once housed women seeking education and work in New York City in the 1930s has been reimagined into a luxury residential complex.

Located at 118 West 13th Street in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village neighborhood, The Katharine is a seven-storey building combining pre-war elements with refined modern touches.

Designed in collaboration with BKSK Architects, the building marks the first-ever residential development project by interior designer Nate Berkus. The New York Times best-selling author was known for his regular appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show before hosting his own series The Nate Berkus Show.

With sales launching later this spring, the building’s collection of eight residences, including a penthouse, will be available for purchase starting at approximately $9.5 million.

The majority of the apartments at The Katharine are four-bedroom homes, a spokesperson for the company behind the project told Newsweek, explaining that the number of bedrooms for each residence cannot be shared at this time due to the sale not having launched yet.

Berkus was drawn to the opportunity to design residences in a neighborhood that has long inspired him.

“I have called Greenwich Village home for many years and have always been inspired by the charm and vibrancy of the neighborhood,” Berkus told Newsweek. “When I was approached to work on The Katharine, a historic building in the heart of the Village, it was an immediate yes. With its rich past and architectural legacy, it was the perfect opportunity to design spaces that reflect the energy that makes this part of New York City so special.”

A Storied Past

Originally constructed in 1930 as The Katharine House for the Ladies Christian Union, the building was designed by Benjamin Wistar Morris, the late architect known for other iconic city landmarks such as the Union League Club on Park Avenue and The Cunard Building.

Designed to provide independent living opportunities for women moving to New York City for education and employment, the building marked a new architectural typology at the time that emerged to address the growing demand for housing among single female professionals. Its lower floors featured elegant communal parlors for entertaining guests, while the upper floors housed more modest sleeping quarters.

Now, nearly a century later, The Katharine has been restored and transformed into a luxury residential building that honors its architectural legacy.

“BKSK Architects did a fantastic job carefully restoring the building’s architecture and facade to its former glory,” Berkus said. “Although the original bay windows are no longer there, the team thoughtfully designed new ones that honor the original design and bring the charm of the neighborhood into each of the homes,” he noted.

Drawing inspiration from classic pre-war residences uptown, Berkus sought to reimagine those timeless elements with a modern sensibility. “We reinterpreted those timeless elements through a more modern lens – including details like custom millwork and vintage Italian lighting. The result is a collection of homes that feel both stately and livable,” he explained.

A ‘Stately and Classic’ Refuge

The Katharine’s eight residences follow a similar full-floor layout, offering spacious living areas framed by the building’s brick exterior and oversized bay windows. “Each home is designed to offer a versatile mix of spaces, ideal for everyday New York-style living,” Berkus said.

Select homes also feature private outdoor terraces, direct keyed elevator access, and expansive views of the surrounding gardens and skyline. Throughout the residences, Berkus incorporated curated design elements such as stone flooring, custom marble fireplaces, and carefully crafted millwork to create spaces that unfold with an intentional sense of discovery.

“We wanted to celebrate the building’s storied past while also creating something new and unexpected. The Village is one of the most dynamic places to call home, and one of the most energetic places to raise a family,” Berkus said. “We designed the interiors to feel stately and classic…an elegant refuge that sophisticated New Yorkers would instinctively appreciate.”

Berkus took a hands-on approach, overseeing everything from floorplan layouts to material selections. His favorite aspects of the residences are “the spacious living room and kitchen,” which are “elegantly appointed while also very functional.”

Each of The Katharine’s residences is designed with a focus on refined craftsmanship and functionality. Homeowners will experience carefully tailored details, including large south-facing windows and unique stone flooring patterns.

The development’s amenities further enhance the luxurious living experience. Residents will enjoy a 24-hour attended lobby, a landscaped rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, a well-equipped fitness studio with a yoga terrace, and private storage units included with each home.

Do you have a interior design or architecture-related story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.