Before and After: Reimagining Hoboken Architecture

GARDEN STREET SPEC HOUSE
It was a “fixer-upper” to say the least. “There was mold, asbestos, thread-bare carpeting, squeaky stairs, and windows that didn’t work,” says J. Patryce Design founder Joan Enger about the Garden Street property. “You name it—it was terrible!”

After gutting the house, Enger and her team set out to create something spectacular. They added a custom stone fireplace mantle with herringbone brick interior, custom-designed stone and tile bathrooms, and high-end, designer-selected lighting—vintage and new.

The house sold ridiculously quickly, however the buyer had mentioned a treadmill to be moved into the basement, far too large for its entrance. “We came up with the idea of a secret/hidden wall that could swing open, heading to the basement,” Enger explains. “It’s a super cool feature and turned out to be extremely functional.”

For all involved, the renovation was a very satisfying experience. “We had an excellent team—true craftsmen—the architect, general contractor, tradesmen, woodworkers, etc.,” Enger says. “The buyers were great to work with and really appreciated the love and attention to detail that we invested.”

Hoboken Architecture — Garden Street Spec House; photo by Lisa Ross