A developer acquired 544 State Street and did a gut renovation of the Brooklyn townhouse after it had been vacant and neglected. Fortunately, through close analysis of zoning law, Studio ST found that the owner could enlarge the building by almost 50% by adding to each floor and excavating the cellar. The townhouse was divided into four full floor apartments of simple and minimalist design. The typical layout of each includes an outdoor space; two bedrooms on the north side of the building; and the kitchen, dining room and bathrooms at the center. The new south side addition contains the living room and an office. The cellar houses storage spaces, mechanical rooms, a laundry area for the building’s tenants and a recreation room. Skylights were added over the main stair, bathing the dark area in sunlight. We are proud of achieving a contemporary look while keeping to a low construction budget.