Gut Renovation in a UES Landmark District Apartment
30 E 62nd St, NYC
Project Overview
Project Type: Contemporary Gut Renovation of an Estate-Condition Apartment
Scope: Full Service Design Build
Duration: 3.5 Months
Residence: 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom
Property Type: Prewar Co-op
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan — 30 East 62nd Street
A Contemporary Gut Renovation in a Prewar Upper East Side Landmark District Apartment
By Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors
This estate condition apartment required DOB and Landmark Permits, and a complete HVAC upgrade in a Landmark District. Coupled with extremely difficult Building management, and our client living in LA , we were able to transform this apartment into an open, modern oasis!
This full gut renovation transformed an estate-condition prewar co-op in Manhattan’s Upper East Side Landmark District into a refined, contemporary residence. The project required extensive DOB and Landmark permits, a complete HVAC upgrade, and close coordination with building management—made even more complex by the client residing in Los Angeles throughout construction.
Despite these challenges, our design build team successfully delivered a seamless residential NYC renovation, creating an open, modern oasis that respects the building’s historic character while embracing contemporary living.
From Estate Condition to Contemporary Oasis — A Worthwhile Challenge
This design build restoration involved a comprehensive construction scope, including complete rewiring, new plumbing, structural wall changes, custom closet reconfigurations, and new door openings with all new doors and hardware.
The interiors are anchored by beautiful European white oak floors with a natural oil finish, complemented by custom built-ins and statement lighting throughout. The result is a thoughtfully executed gut renovation that balances modern design with the integrity of a prewar Manhattan residence.
Required Approvals
DOB Permits
Landmark Permits
Gut Renovation & Construction Features
Complete rewiring
New plumbing throughout
Gut kitchen and bathrooms
Wall reconfigurations
Closet redesigns
New door openings, doors, and hardware
HVAC upgrades
Full construction and restoration coordination
Interior Design Features
European white oak flooring
Natural oil finish
Custom built-ins
New architectural and decorative light fixtures
Adventures in Design Build — Project Videos
For those who love the realities of design build construction—the challenges, problem-solving, and transformations—don’t miss this project’s highlights. We’ve included before-and-after videos as well as a full walkthrough showcasing this prewar Manhattan gut renovation.
For more residential NYC renovation projects—including condos, lofts, co-ops, and townhomes, from prewar and post-war buildings—visit our Contemporary Reno Before & Afters video page.
If you love this Upper East Side modern apartment renovation as much as we do, book a renovation consultation to see what Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors can do for your Manhattan home.