In a sea of new, all-glass residential buildings, living in a home with a connection to New York City’s profound history is a rarity. Many neighborhoods across the five boroughs have a rich collection of industrial buildings, like an old zipper factory in Long Island City, Queens. Instead of demolishing historic buildings and opting for ground-up development, many developers are getting creative to preserve original details while modernizing buildings to have up-to-date appliances, fixtures and amenities. Conversions offer the best of both worlds and often spark interest from history buffs, architecture enthusiasts and more.
In fact, there are several newly converted buildings popping up in New York City, for those who want to live somewhere with historic charm. Below are some unique conversions in New York City that are currently on the market.
The Zipper Building
Previously: Zipper factory
Now: Luxury condominiums
The Zipper Building was converted to a new, luxury condominium from a historic zipper factory and retains many of its original exterior features, including its factory-style windows and warm, red brick façade. Located in Long Island City, Queens, the eight-story building was designed by SRA Architecture + Engineering with fresh interiors to appeal to today’s modern buyer, while maintaining the original brick walls, wood ceiling beams and columns, creating a charming appeal and differentiating it from nearby properties. Leading Queens brokerage firm Modern Spaces is exclusively handling marketing and sales for the property, which was developed by Circle F Capital and adds 41 studio- to four-bedroom homes to the neighborhood, ranging in price from $650,000 to $2.5 million.
Location: 5-33 48th Avenue in Long Island City, NY
The Residences at Prince
Previously: Old St. Patrick’s School and convent for St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral across Prince Street
Now: Two townhouses, seven condos

The Residences at Prince are noted for their blend of historic and contemporary design, reflected in the building’s heritage as a landmarked religious center at the turn of the twentieth century. Steps from SoHo on a corner enjoying churchyard views of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, the residences surpass what it means to be “unique” in Manhattan.
Location: 34 Prince Street in Nolita, NY
75 Greene
Previously: Formerly the office of the Diocese of Brooklyn, the Chancery, designed by Francis S. Berlenbach & Sons in 1929.
Now: Luxury condominiums
Now over 60% in contract, the former office of the Diocese of Brooklyn has been masterfully renovated and restored, converting it into bespoke homes while maintaining the buildings iconic façade. With open layouts, modern finishes and chef quality kitchens, the residences at 75 Greene have combined the past with the present to offer a unique ownership opportunity in the heart of one of Brooklyn’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Location: 75 Greene, Brooklyn, NY
90 Morton
Previously: Printing warehouse
Now: Luxury condominiums
90 Morton, once a printing warehouse, is now a transformed refined state-of-the-art condominium. Concept architect, Asaf Gottesman, knew how to entice the sophisticated eye by marrying old and new in the building process—defining 90 Morton’s connection of solid and void. The main challenge was the strikingly different attributes of the base building and upper floors. Asaf chose to keep the raw elements of the original structure, underlining the solidity and thickness of its walls by designing generous internal windowsills.
Location: 90 Morton Street in West Village, NY
722 Metropolitan Avenue
Previously: Umbrella Factory
Now: Condominiums

Williamsburg’s 722 Metropolitan Avenue holds a lot of history – what was once an umbrella factory is now being converted into artfully crafted condominiums. The first three floors are the building’s original structure with new construction being built from floors four to seven.
Location: 722 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn NY
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