210 North Washington Street
Rosalind Resnick
Owning historic townhouses in New York City led Rosalind Resnick to fall for this late 19th century beauty—but she did not opt for the small interior rooms, part and parcel of townhouses of this era. Instead, this space was transformed by Summit Homes into a free-flowing, open-concept main level with a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, and upstairs, a sanctuary spa-like master bath.
Prior to its renovation, this home was the office of The Capitol Steps, a singing group that hilariously poked fun at Washington politics for 39 years but was done in by the pandemic. The group brought joy to the world with satire such as All I Want for Christmas Is a Tax Increase and Fools on the Hill.
This is a rare Alexandria Richardsonian Romanesque; the style is named for architect Henry Hobson Richardson, who practiced in the 1870s and 1880s and originated the design. Characterized by massive stone walls, and deeply arched entrances, this townhouse (built circa 1891–1896) conveys a sense of strength and solidity. Yet its solid shape is enhanced with visually interesting features to delight the eye. The large convex copper bow window projects its curves; the round arches framing the front door and window echo the window’s curvature. The ornamentation on the horizontal band of stone on the first floor breaks up the façade, as does another thinner band on the second floor.
The interior décor is eclectic. A samovar, mortar and pestle, and candle sticks, brought when Rosalind’s great-grandmother fled Russia, have pride of place at the entrance. A large fiberglass cow decorated with “You are here” NYC subway maps is unmistakably Manhattan. You’ll also see zodiac-sign wallpaper, inspired by the celestial constellations at Grand Central Station, and an exotic mask collection.
The interior of this transplanted New Yorker’s home signals that although the owner has embraced her new hometown, one foot remains in the City.