Elizabeth Roberts Architects renovates historic Brooklyn building for Arts & Sciences offices

Elizabeth Roberts Architects, a New York-based studio, has completed the renovation of a historic commercial building in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighborhood, transforming it into offices for the creative agency Arts & Sciences. The single-story structure, located on Degraw Street and dating back to at least 1855 according to historic maps, previously housed various modest commercial uses, including a barbershop documented in 1940. The renovation preserved original architectural features while adding contemporary elements, restoring the black facade with three recessed doorways and large windows to maintain the building's connection to its historic context. Interior spaces include exposed wooden ceiling beams, picture rails, and paneling, with natural light filling the rooms through expansive glass. The design accommodates multiple functions such as focused work, collaborative sessions, and client meetings, featuring tan-hued lounge furniture, layered textured carpets, a curated art collection, patterned rugs, and plants for privacy. The project represents a preservation-minded approach that respects the building's layered history while adapting it for modern creative use.