Architect Diana Kellogg Renovates Historic Tribeca Home Using Salvaged Industrial Materials
A long-term renovation project preserves industrial character through repurposed freight elevator components and structural elements.
1Adaptive Reuse Strategy
Architect Diana Kellogg has completed a comprehensive renovation of her historic Tribeca residence on Staple Street. Having occupied the building for 25 years, Kellogg focused on preserving its industrial heritage. The structure originally functioned as cold storage and a plumbing supply storefront before transitioning into a residential space fifty years ago.
2Repurposing Industrial Components
The renovation heavily utilizes salvaged materials from the building's original freight elevator. Kellogg removed the elevator to create a glass-wrapped space known as the Green Room, used for private calls and social gatherings. These salvaged steel and glass elements were integrated into the kitchen cabinetry, custom bookcases, and the main staircase.
3Structural Preservation Efforts
Kellogg prioritized the restoration of original architectural features, including 25-foot-long chestnut ceiling beams. Despite the labor-intensive process of stripping the beams, she maintained them to provide warmth and character to the industrial interior. These elements define the aesthetic, balancing the raw steel components with natural wood textures throughout the four-level residence.
4Functional Space Reconfiguration
The home's layout was updated to reflect the family's changing needs after the children moved out. The former ground-floor playroom, which once featured climbing ropes and swings, was converted into a media room with an L-shaped sofa. One original climbing rope remains, serving as an art piece within the updated living area.
5Design and Decor Details
Upstairs bedrooms feature vaulted brick ceilings and are separated by sliding mahogany doors. The interior design incorporates midcentury furniture and Noguchi pendant lights suspended from structural steel beams. Artworks by Ljubodrag Andric flank the first-floor fireplace, while walls display photographs of Kellogg’s 2021 Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School project in India.
6Outdoor Living Expansion
The roof terrace was relandscaped to function as a secondary living room and oasis. It features custom planters and wooden outdoor furniture designed for dining and relaxation. The space offers direct views of a historic bridge connecting adjacent buildings, which Kellogg considers a superior vantage point compared to being inside the structure.
7Tribeca Architectural Context
This project reflects a broader trend in Tribeca, where former industrial buildings are repurposed into residential lofts, galleries, and creative studios. Similar neighborhood projects include Crina Arghirescu Rogard’s work at the American Thread Building and Andrea Leung’s loft renovation. These projects collectively emphasize the preservation of New York's industrial architectural legacy.
8Long-term Design Impact
Kellogg’s gradual approach to renovating her home demonstrates the value of patience in architectural design. By systematically repurposing existing materials rather than replacing them, she successfully maintained the building's historical narrative. This project serves as a practical case study for integrating modern residential functionality into aging industrial infrastructure without losing character.