The residence at 108 East 37th street, a fine Murray Hill town house was designed by Charles A. Platt in 1920. It has been renovated to create a residence for a history of art professor. The main design challenge was to create openness in the center of the plan while preserving and enhancing the quality of the main rooms at either end of the house. What had been a dim central arrangement of utility spaces was demolished. In its place several spaces were built including a study library which take maximum advantage of light from the central lightwell.  The study library was extended into the two main rooms at either end; this produces a curving circulation spine that encompasses an elongated working space for art historical studies, entry vestibule to kitchen.

The living room faces the street and also gives access to the guest suite. It is classically proportioned with restored moldings, new window reveals, display vitrines, cabinetwork, cherry doors and trim. At the back of the house facing the garden is the master bedroom suite, also fitted with display cabinets for objets d’art and with cherry millwork. Two bathrooms are designed to contrast in their modernity of shape and materials with the classical rooms of the house.

The center space connects the principal rooms, and one is able to see from the window to window, from garden to street, the entire length of the plan. The architectural design is a balance between modern attenuated space and classical space, which enter into a dialogue within the confined perimeter of the established New York town house type.