Inside Designer Nate Berkus’s First Residential Development in N.Y.C.

With a career that spans award-winning TV shows, best-selling books, and a string of high-end projects published in esteemed publications, renowned designer Nate Berkus is bringing his elevated sense of style to a handful of new residences in downtown New York City.  

The Katharine is a converted boutique condominium nearing completion on West 13th Street in the heart of Greenwich Village. Developed by Slate Property Group in partnership with Avenue Realty Capital, the building marks a significant milestone for Berkus, who is making his residential development debut. For The Katharine, he has designed an intimate collection of just eight residences across seven stories, each a reimagined tribute to the building’s rich pre-war history.  

Originally constructed in 1930 as The Katharine House, the landmark building was designed by esteemed architect Benjamin Wistar Morris to serve as a women’s residence, offering independent living to women coming to New York City for education and employment. The structure has been thoughtfully restored by BKSK Architects, a celebrated Big Apple-based firm known for blending historic and modern design. Past projects have included 111 Charles Street and 144 Barrow Street in the West Village. 

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“The Katharine has all of the ingredients for a one-of-a-kind boutique residential building,” Leonard Steinberg, corporate broker at Compass and sales director for The Katharine, told Robb Report. “When great design, contextual architecture and a developer committed to quality are all combined with rich history and collector-quality authenticity, a true Village experience is born.” 

Residences at The Katharine are a testament to Berkus’s design prowess and commitment to craftsmanship. Highlights include custom millwork, vintage Italian light fixtures, and custom marble fireplaces. South-facing windows encourage natural light, and some homes will offer private outdoor terraces, direct keyed elevator access, and expansive views of the gardens and skyline. Sales at The Katharine are slated to launch later this spring with prices starting at approximately $9.5 million. 

The few residents of the building will have access to a number of creature comforts: a 24-hour attended lobby, a communal landscaped rooftop terrace, a well-equipped fitness studio with a yoga terrace, and private storage units.

The building’s location on a picturesque, tree-lined street offers easy access to cultural institutions, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Indeed, Berkus himself has called the neighborhood home for over 20 years; he currently lives in the area with his interior designer husband, Queer Eye star Jeremiah Brent, and their two kids.  

Click here to see more photos of the West Village project.