Twin Sisters on Commerce Street
New York, NY
Restoring two 19th‑century landmark townhouses while preserving their architectural legacy
The Twin Sisters at 39 and 41 Commerce Street are iconic examples of early Greenwich Village residential architecture. Originally constructed in 1832 as identical two‑story townhouses separated by a shared walled garden, they were expanded in 1873 with the addition of third stories capped by then-popular mansard roofs. Over time, the houses experienced multiple transitions: first from single‑family residences to apartments, and later back to individual homes.
Today, both houses are individually designated New York City Landmarks and contributing buildings within the Greenwich Village Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
SWA staff guided the restoration of No. 39 in the early 2000s and is now leading the full restoration of No. 41. With decades of experience in historic preservation, our building enclosures team takes a holistic approach that respects landmark requirements while addressing the building’s condition, performance, and long‑term durability.
Project Team
- Architect: Caplin Colaku Architecture
- Contractor: Lennie Construction Corporation
Building Details
- Two single-family homes, each 2,200 SF
- Listed historic buildings designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Contributing buildings within the Greenwich Village Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
SWA Services
- Building Enclosure Consulting
- Condition Survey
- Historic Preservation
- Design Consulting
- Construction Administration Services
