New York studio Span Architecture has restored a historic townhouse on Gramercy Park in New York that appears on a Bob Dylan album cover and features ornate interiors.
The residence is named Harper House due to its association with New York mayor James Harper, “whose tenure marked the neighborhood’s civic prominence” according to Span Architecture.
Overhauling the 19th-century townhouse was a seven-year process that involved restoring original interiors by prominent American architect Stanford White.
Its exterior is equally notable: in the summer of 1965, musician Bob Dylan was photographed by Daniel Kramer on the home’s stoop, which at the time belonged to his manager Albert Grossman.
The picture was used as the cover for the artist’s album Highway 61 Revisited that was released the same year.
“Today, it is the last private residence adjacent to New York City’s only remaining private park, a space historically reserved for the city’s cultural and political elite,” said Span Architecture.
The current homeowners, Stephen and Allison Sullens, wanted to pay reverence to this rich history while updating the residence for contemporary life.
“They wanted a living homage to music, history, and philanthropy,” said Span Architecture, which collaborated with interior designers Anne-Marie Winter and Christiane Duncan, and several other specialists on the project.
On the exterior, the intricately detailed wrought iron porch was carefully restored, and Ball & Ball was enlisted to refurbish the equally ornate gas lamps at the bottom of the stoop.
Inside, the Stanford White-designed salon’s Cuban mahogany panelling and oak ceilings were revitalised by Carlton House Restoration.
While preserving other details such as intricate parquet flooring and patterned-glass door inserts, the team integrated several modern interventions.
These include skylights and double-height atriums that introduce more natural light into previously dark rooms.
The kitchen was transformed into a central living area, while attic spaces were converted into family offices.
Custom elements range from a chandelier by David Wiseman Studio that incorporates the Sullens’ favourite flora and fauna, and a colourful rooftop mural by Robbie Simon.
Bob Dylan memorabilia is displayed alongside a collection of works by artists including Thomas Struth, Diebenkorn and Neal Casal.
Landscaping by RKLA Studio comprises lush terraces and gardens designed to create a dialogue with Gramercy Park.
Also during the renovation process, the Sullens founded the nonprofit Harper House Music Foundation to support musicians, music communities and the preservation of musical legacies.
“The Harper House project is more than a historic renovation; it is a layered narrative that honors political, architectural, and cultural history while embracing a forward-looking approach to urban living,” said Span Architecture. “It is a testament to the careful stewardship of one of New York’s most exceptional private homes.”
Other historic Manhattan townhouses that have been given new life include a West Village address that’s now home to The Future Perfect design gallery, and an Upper East Side residence that was recently transformed into a showroom for French crystal brand Lalique.
Span Architecture’s previous projects include a remote retreat in Maine on a property that includes gardens and a teahouse informed by Chinese architecture.
The photography is by Adrian Gaut.
Project credits:
Architectural renovation: SPAN Architecture
Interior design: Anne-Marie Winter (AMP), Christiane Duncan (Christiane Duncan Interiors)
Landscape/rooftop design: RKLA Studio
General contractor: Sea-Dar Construction
Styling: Kim Ficaro
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