Wendell Burnette Architects redesigns Manhattan apartment with grid-inspired layout

Wendell Burnette Architects has completed the renovation of 21E22nd, a corner unit in a former 1911 factory building overlooking Madison Square Park in Manhattan. The clients, a retired couple and their dog Harriet, relocated permanently from Phoenix to New York City after discovering the apartment, which they described as a 'diamond in the rough.' They commissioned the Phoenix-based firm for its East Coast debut. Founder Wendell Burnette noted that the team navigated the 1,875-square-foot unit's layout while adhering to budget, co-op rules, and zoning laws. The design transformed the original three-bedroom into a one-bedroom, creating an open-concept living and dining area flooded with natural light from north-facing windows. The space connects visually to Madison Square Park, making the park feel like an extension of the home. Manhattan's grid system served as the primary design inspiration.