Renovation in the big city
So with the Weston project well underway, it’s already time to look forward to the next This Old House renovation project. And we’ve decided, for the very first time in the show’s history, to bring Norm, Tom, Richard, Roger and Kevin to New York City to take on an urban renovation.
Why New York? After the rustic, timberframe project in Weston, we thought it would be refreshing to switch it up with a Big City story for all of the urbanites out there. And of course New York is a cultural, historical, and architectural Mecca, so it seemed somewhat surprising (to me, at least) that in 29 years of national production, we had not renovated there. Yet.
So today we’re announcing a wide-open call for entries for our upcoming project in New York City.
While we think we’d like to stay in Manhattan, we know there are passionate remodelers in the other boroughs as well. There is detailed information on the criteria for application here, but we’d love to know, especially from the native New Yorkers out there, where you’d like to see us set up camp – there’s been talk of a lot of West Side neighborhoods – the West Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen. Or would we have better luck in Murray Hill? Or Tribeca? Is Brooklyn still bustling? Is Harlem still hot? We’d love to be in a high-energy neighborhood with a rich history, full of folks dedicated to renovating and preserving their historic housing stock.
Much will depend on the actual proposals we get from real homeowners, but we want to hear your opinions. Post your thoughts to this blog, and we’ll send out updates on our NYC project as we have them. If all goes well, we’ll have a project selected in just a few weeks.
New York City, here we come!
Posted by Deborah Hood | Categories: New York City - 2008-2009 | Permalink
(13) Comments
Can't say that I blame you in any way, shape or form. It's probably long overdue. But "Why Ask Why New York?"
Simple Answer: This Old House Television/Magazine/Online; 135 West 50th St, 10th floor; New York, NY 10020
After all, WGBH is based in Boston. And where was the first house located?
Looking forward to it!
Hell yeah! Bring it to Brooklyn! So many excellent old homes that could use your love!
Brooklyn is your place! As the sign says as you enter over the Brooklyn Bridge, "How sweet it is!"
Come enjoy our Brownstone neighborhoods of South Brooklyn, and Victorian Houses of Ditmas Park/Flatbush, or the grand apartments along Eastern Parkway.
While you are here we will treat you to a nathan's hot dog, a ride on the Cyclone, and a concert in Prospect Park.
Levittown, NY is where our Ranch style home was built in the early 1940s for our returnign sholdiers afer the war. We live in a wonderful neighborhood, and woud appreciate your help in upgrading our home. Please visit and take in some American History!
Thanks, Kathy (July 4th deadline)
YES! YES! "COME TO THE HAMPTONS"!!!!BEAUTIFUL BEACHES! GREAT FOOD!!!!I just finished remodeling the interior of my home in Water Mill, Southampton. I need to redo the exterior i.e. landscapting,lighting, pavers, steps. The challenge is that I am on a slight uphill. Please come and visit this part of NY. We have beautiful beaches..Love to get your feedback and have you finish my project. Thanks, Marie
PS Love your program. Kevin, Roger, Richard, Tom and Norm I never miss a show!!!
You must come to Jackson Heights in Queens boro. this section has the most historic houses. I will even put you guys up.
Come to Brooklyn!!! There you'll be able to park your trucks, you'll have tons of fab old houses, and friendly neighborhood people! Clinton Hill/Fort Greene is an especially nice historic area! (former home of Walt Whitman & current business location of Spike Lee's 4 Acres & a Mule, as well as home to the Brooklyn Academy of Music!!)
Harlem is hot! Loads of great homes, great architecture, technically in Manhattan and lots of renovation under way.
Harlem is also home to the Hamilton Heights historic neighborhood, was a great hang out for General Washington, is home to Trinity Cemetery, Columbia Presbyterian hospital, Columbia University, and is in desperate need for publicity to help keep it historic instead of tear downs and mass development.
Stay in Manhattan - GO TO HARLEM!!
Brooklyn. There's no more to be said.
Come to Babylon Village. We are on Long Island's south shore just east of NYC, We have history, old buildings and homes and a thriving Main St all within walking distance.
Harlem is loaded with townhomes dating back to 1830. So many still have the beautiful details and and huge spaces (typical 5 story building is 5000 sq. ft not including the cellar) with many townhomes like mine with a huge multi-floor extension. Come to the historic district of Mount Morris Park and you will also get views of a 22 acre park as well.
Harlem is it!
i'm thrilled your coming to our great city. i have been watching you guys forever. check out bayside,queens. you'll love it. there is also the north fork of long island. lots of old homes there, plus there are vineyards everywhere. very different from the hamptons.