Americasroof, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Owner: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Completion: 2025
Services Provided: Cost Estimating, Cost Management
Langston Hughes House Repairs
New York, NY
Ellana served as cost estimator on an exterior façade restoration at 20 East 127th Street in Harlem, the former home of renowned poet and civil rights activist Langston Hughes. Hughes lived on the top floor of this brownstone from 1947-1967.
This structure required an elevated level of care, oversight, and collaboration throughout the restoration process to ensure the work honored the site’s historical and cultural importance. All work complied with NYC Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) guidelines.
The facade repointing, brownstone repairs, and resurfacing were carried out on original masonry and stonework that are characteristic of the building’s historic architectural style. Artisans matched mortar color, composition, and tooling to preserve the building’s original appearance. The cornice and guardrail repairs also involved restoring original design elements to maintain the historical integrity of the structure.
The rowhouse was designated a New York City Landmark in 1981 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This block of East 127th Street was also named Langston Hughes Place in his honor.