Russell Sage Foundation

New York, NY

Expanding a Philip Johnson landmark to create a center for scholars

After acquiring the 12-foot-wide Victorian brownstone adjoining its classic 1958–60 Philip Johnson headquarters (originally the Asia Society), the Russell Sage Foundation enlisted Fradkin & McAlpin to marry the modern with the Victorian and to turn its acquisition into scholars' studies with a warm, residential feel. At the same time, a single-story addition was created at the rear of the townhouse to accommodate a skylighted conference room and seminar center opening onto a small walled garden. The Johnson building’s entry lobby was returned to its original modernist style, and a complementary traditional cherrywood reception desk and book display added.

Key details

• Devised a quietly elegant design that bridges Victorian and modern settings
• Handled programming and space planning for 25,000 square feet
• Managed an intricate construction schedule tied to the academic year
• Secured approvals from multiple agencies to join the buildings and expand their footprint
• Incorporated accessibility, modern engineering systems, and IT into a tight envelope

Fact Sheet (130 KB PDF)