What's old is new again: Mass timber construction in New York City + Listings with exposed beams

By CityRealty Staff | From Future New York Wednesday, March 13, 2024

329 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York's first mass timber home (Compass)

In loft buildings dating back to the mid-19th century, exposed timber columns, joists, and ceiling beams add a note of historic charm to a converted home. But between new building techniques, a rise in popularity, and revised building codes, a number of 21st century buildings are coming to embrace timber construction anew.

The most commonly known techniques are cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction and glue-laminated timber (glulam), which bind prefabricated timber panels, making it stronger than steel. It is also more environmentally friendly than steel, as it does not require the burning of fossil fuels during production; moreover, if sourced from timber growing in sustainably managed forests and harvested responsibly, it is a renewable resource. Another plus is a shorter construction timeline, bringing new housing units to the market more quickly at a time when vacancy is at an all-time low.

Other countries and states have come around to the benefits of CLT and other timber construction methods, but New York is somewhat late to the party, having banned timber towers following a series of fires in the 19th century. However, in fall 2021, the New York City Council approved the use of mass timber for buildings. This allowed architect Aaron Schiller to update his Clinton Hill home, a former carriage house dating back to the 1870s, with timber floors, stairs, and roof, all components that contributed to its environmental friendliness, not to mention recycled wood beams and materials sourced from Brooklyn Navy Yard. The New York Post announced that it has just sold for $7 million.

“I was looking to prove a point with something developers said you couldn’t do in New York. I was confident it could be done” – Aaron Schiller on his mass timber townhouse

Mr. Schiller’s house was hailed as the city’s first mass timber home, but it is not the last – the recently passed law allows for mass timber construction of buildings up to 85 feet high. This means we won’t see CLT supertalls any time soon, but it is right in line with the boutique condominiums that are getting snatched up quickly in Brooklyn. The New York City Mass Timber Studio, a technical assistance program to support timber development projects, launched in September 2023, easing the way for more buildings of this type. In the meantime, we look at new buildings that have incorporated timber construction, as well as prewar listings with exposed wood elements.

Timber House, 670 Union Street, Park Slope
Developed by The Brooklyn Home Company | Design by Mesh Architectures
6 stories | 14 units
No current availabilities

Timber House (Douglas Elliman)

At six stories and 23,593 square feet, Timber House is the largest mass timber building in New York City. While not technically CLT construction, Mesh Architectures principal Eric Liftin's alternative suggestion of glue-laminated timber won out and let the building take shape. In addition to the more energy-efficient construction method, environmentally friendly features include triple-glazed windows, solar panels, multi-zone heat pump heating and cooling, and an energy-recovery air filtration system. The interiors have been described as modern-day treehouses, and the vast majority of units have entered contract.

Umbrella Factory, 710 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
Developed by SL Development | Design by Rawlings Architects
7 stories | 69 units
4 availabilities from $1.125M

Umberella Factory (MNS)

As part of Williamsburg's industrial-to-residential transformation, the former Embee Sunshade Company factory has been converted to a condominium with industrially inspired interiors with exposed heavy timber beams. Large quantities of structural timber were sourced for the conversion of the existing building, and a glass and metal addition adds a contemporary touch.

Umbrella Factory, #PHB
$1,595,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 936 ft²

Umbrella Factory, #PHB (MNS)

From the Listing: Penthouse B is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout featuring high ceilings, exposed timber beams, private outdoor space and a storage unit included. Features include wide plank California collection select grade wood flooring, exposed timber construction, high ceilings, energy-efficient soundproof rating Wausau & Kawneer windows, central heating and cooling, and Bosch washer and dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

360 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg
Developed and designed by Flank Architecture & Development
5 stories | 28 units
1 availability for $8,600/month

360 Wythe Avenue (MNS)

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When the brick-and-beam 360 Wythe Avenue and its sister project, an office building at 320 Wythe Avenue, were approved in 2017, they were the first of their kind to be approved in nearly a century. Flank co-founder Mick Waldorf told 6sqft that he didn't want to bring "hyper-contemporary glass boxes" to the neighborhood, and he has succeeded on that count: The brick facade was inspired by Williamsburg's historic factories and warehouses, and interiors feature exposed wood beams and columns.

360 Wythe Avenue, #501
$8,600/month

Williamsburg | Rental | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,104 ft²

360 Wythe Avenue, #501 (Greystar)

From the Listing: Apartment 501 is a beautiful 3-Bedroom featuring a private terrace. 12' ceilings clad in beautiful exposed Black Spruce timber, central heating and cooling, and a luxury appliance package from SMEG and Bosch round out the offering. See floor plan and full details here.

Frame 283, 283 Greene Avenue, Clinton Hill
Developed by Frame Home | Design by LoadingDock5
5 stories | 10 units
No current availabilities

Frame 283 (Frame)

Frame 283 was an early adopter of CLT, having received an exception to the building code so its construction could take place. Between its eco-friendly construction, solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems, dedicated compost bin in the trash room, and bike room, it is little surprise that the building achieved Passive House certification. It has proven wildly popular: The building is fully leased and has a waiting list.

NYC Listings with Exposed Beams

The Armory, #2K
$1,095,000

Midtown West | Condop | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,146 ft²

The Armory, #2K (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Step outside the white and glass box of uniformity with this incredible 14-foot ceilinged loft! This magnificent space takes you back to the glory days of artists, designers and intellectuals that filled New York City. Presently set up as a one bedroom with an office and a lofted library, the possibilities are endless. The apartment offers huge oversized windows, beautiful parquets floors, endless and copious storage space featuring two extra-large walk-in closets plus an enormous storage loft, large window A/Cs, excellent full kitchen and renovated bath. See floor plan and full details here.

100 West 15th Street, #1A
$1,995,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths

100 West 15th Street, #1A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Enter your own fully renovated and restored oasis, complete with super-quiet private garden, and leave the bustling Chelsea/West Village/Meatpacking neighborhood behind. With a 17' ceiling height, this home offers both a lofty space in the downstairs living quarters, as well as a very comfortable upstairs bedroom where you will sleep well thanks to the sound-proofed ceiling. Homey warmth exudes from the exposed brick walls, beams and woodwork, not to mention the custom-made bioethanol fireplace that is both safe to use, and safe for the environment. See floor plan and full details here.

The Mill Building, #308
$2,150,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,750 ft²

The Mill Building, #308 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This remarkable and authentic loft residence, nestled within the highly sought-after Mill Building, offers an expansive living space of approximately 1,750 square feet, brimming with timeless charm. Step into a grand entertainment area adorned with meticulously restored original beams and original wood flooring. With 11-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a generously sized private balcony, this loft is a haven of natural light and character. J-51 Tax abatement in effect until 2025. See floor plan and full details here.

16 Greene Street, #6S
$2,800,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths

16 Greene Street, #6S (Compass)

From the Listing: Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for artists and creatives to own a top-floor, authentic Soho live/work loft! The 12.5' wood-beamed ceilings are punctuated by four skylights that bring natural light throughout the space. The elevator opens directly into the large and welcoming west-facing living room, with the well-appointed kitchen in an adjacent alcove between the living and dining rooms. Architectural details including exposed brick arches and a hardwood floor speak to the loft's history. There is a private open storage space in the basement. See floor plan and full details here.

34 East 10th Street, #3E
$4,195,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

34 East 10th Street, #3E (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Ascend the key-locked elevator directly into the expansive living room and gaze out the exquisitely restored, original oak-framed and wrought iron detailed, floor-to-ceiling picture windows onto your favorite street. Tuck yourself into a perfect office nook to get some work done. Entertain in the great room, or simply relax - the exposed brick walls soaring to vaulted ceilings over 11 feet above, the gorgeous mahogany beams replete with recessed lighting, and the custom millwork throughout the loft, all contribute to a serene and elegant residence, which is centrally air-conditioned for your comfort. See floor plan and full details here.

145 Sixth Avenue, #4C
$4,300,000

SoHo | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 2,200 ft²

145 Sixth Avenue, #4C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Enter this contemporary Soho loft through an inviting foyer with two roomy coat closets that opens up to an expansive, open concept where you are greeted with an impressive scale of an industrial style kitchen, dining area, living room, and media room (which can flexibly be used as a sprawling home office or library enclave). This live/work space is characterized by its exposed beams and brick in true classic loft fashion given its history as the former Old Printing House, and the free flowing space offers a perfect backdrop for designer furnishings and masterpiece artwork. See floor plan and full details here.

81 Walker Street, #2
$4,498,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,600 ft²

81 Walker Street, #2 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: A true extra-wide Tribeca loft, this flawlessly renovated home features coveted original details highlighted by premier designer updates to create one of the finest three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom homes on the market. Meticulously designed by Studio DB, this breathtaking approx. 2600-square-foot loft embraces its historic origins with abundant original details, including towering cast-iron columns, handsome window surrounds, swaths of exposed brick and beams - all accented by curated industrial design choices in fixtures and finishes. Arrive via key-locked elevator to take in a nearly 31-foot-wide great room topped by ceilings that soar more than 13 feet tall. See floor plan and full details here.

31 Washington Street, #11
$4,850,000

DUMBO | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,600 ft²

31 Washington Street, #11 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Once an Iron Works factory built in 1896, this building was subsequently converted in 2001 and has received Landmark status. A true loft in every sense of the word, this unit features high ceilings, oversized windows, and exposed beams and columns. Additional high-end details include an open-plan layout, soaring 13-foot ceilings, beautiful Carlisle wide plank reclaimed oak floors, exposed timber beams and columns, antique exposed brick walls, and 10-foot industrial windows. A high velocity modern HVAC and an in-unit Bosch washer/dryer round out the modern conveniences. See floor plan and full details here.

362 West Broadway, #2
$5,400,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,970 ft²

362 West Broadway, #2 (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Emerge from your private elevator into this exquisitely renovated full-floor loft in prime Soho. The east-facing loft, approximately 3,000 square feet, is bathed in sunlight, highlighting its majestic 12'2 timber beamed ceilings, timber columns, and a 44' expansive living room. The space is upgraded with CitiQuiet windows in the living room as well as the bedrooms and walls perfect for displaying art alongside a chef's dream gourmet kitchen replete with a full size wine refrigerator. Luxuriate in comfort provided by the gorgeous wide-planked white stain oak floors, central air conditioning, and an ethanol fireplace, setting the mood for serene evenings and elegant gatherings. 200-square-foot storage room in the basement included. See floor plan and full details here.

XOCO 325, #2
$6,450,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,871 ft²

XOCO 325, #2 (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Residence 2 at the landmarked 23-25 Wooster Street is a spacious 50' wide full floor loft featuring 2,871 square feet with 2 oversized bedrooms and 2.5 baths. This unique residence is part of the full service XOCO condominium at 325 West Broadway, complete with 24-hour doorman and fitness center and can also be accessed from the main lobby at 325 West Broadway. A discreet, keyed elevator opens directly into a foyer entrance leading into an expansive Great Room overlooking XOCO 325's lush interior garden. Adjacent to the Great Room, an arched brick wall leads to a spacious Media Room also with a western exposure onto the garden. Design details include restored Douglas Fir wood beamed ceilings, exposed original brick walls and arches. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

“I was looking to prove a point with something developers said you couldn’t do in New York. I was confident it could be done” – Aaron Schiller on his mass timber townhouse

Timber House, 670 Union Street, Park Slope
Developed by The Brooklyn Home Company | Design by Mesh Architectures
6 stories | 14 units
No current availabilities

Umbrella Factory, 710 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
Developed by SL Development | Design by Rawlings Architects
7 stories | 69 units
4 availabilities from $1.125M

Umbrella Factory, #PHB
$1,595,000

360 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg
Developed and designed by Flank Architecture & Development
5 stories | 28 units
1 availability for $8,600/month

Select which properties are of interest to you:

360 Wythe Avenue, #501
$8,600/month

Frame 283, 283 Greene Avenue, Clinton Hill
Developed by Frame Home | Design by LoadingDock5
5 stories | 10 units
No current availabilities

The Armory, #2K
$1,095,000

100 West 15th Street, #1A
$1,995,000

The Mill Building, #308
$2,150,000

16 Greene Street, #6S
$2,800,000

34 East 10th Street, #3E
$4,195,000

145 Sixth Avenue, #4C
$4,300,000

81 Walker Street, #2
$4,498,000

31 Washington Street, #11
$4,850,000

362 West Broadway, #2
$5,400,000

XOCO 325, #2
$6,450,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

“I was looking to prove a point with something developers said you couldn’t do in New York. I was confident it could be done” – Aaron Schiller on his mass timber townhouse

Timber House, 670 Union Street, Park Slope Developed by The Brooklyn Home Company | Design by Mesh Architectures 6 stories | 14 units No current availabilities

Umbrella Factory, 710 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg Developed by SL Development | Design by Rawlings Architects 7 stories | 69 units 4 availabilities from $1.125M

360 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg Developed and designed by Flank Architecture & Development 5 stories | 28 units 1 availability for $8,600/month

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Frame 283, 283 Greene Avenue, Clinton Hill Developed by Frame Home | Design by LoadingDock5 5 stories | 10 units No current availabilities

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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Timber House, 670 Union Street, Park Slope
Developed by The Brooklyn Home Company | Design by Mesh Architectures
6 stories | 14 units
No current availabilities

Umbrella Factory, 710 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
Developed by SL Development | Design by Rawlings Architects
7 stories | 69 units
4 availabilities from $1.125M

360 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg
Developed and designed by Flank Architecture & Development
5 stories | 28 units
1 availability for $8,600/month

Frame 283, 283 Greene Avenue, Clinton Hill
Developed by Frame Home | Design by LoadingDock5
5 stories | 10 units
No current availabilities