Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/809115
UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS Talk about role reversal. When Bob Ernst, president of FBN Construction, received a phone call from a young couple asking if he could help them move out of the suburbs and into the city to build a townhouse to raise their children, he was floored. "That never happens," he says. "It's always the opposite." Never a man to resist a challenge, Ernst rolled up his sleeves and got to work: a three-floor brownstone right next to the Boston Public Garden. "The couple's pur- chase of the property fully depended on whether the renovation could be done to their liking," says Ernst. Needless to say, the couple bought it. FBN built it. Here's how it was done. Prep Work: "We didn't pick up a hammer for a year and a half," Ernst says. "That is how we work. We first develop an all-inclusive design, architectural and building blueprint, and budget with full transpar- ency. The client knows exactly what will be done and how much it will cost." Construction: The team designed a family-friendly flow, including a garden-level playroom, open kitchen and family area, and cutting-edge bath- rooms. "The family wanted a very modern, fashionable space," says Ernst. FBN restored and painted existing finishes, upgraded electrical wiring, and installed lighting. Design: C&J Katz Studio added a very light palette to create an airiness and mirrors to expand the space. "The quality of the construction allowed extremely modern finishes and cabinetwork to live side by side with elaborate traditional details," says cofounder Jeffrey Katz. "Every single light fixture is special; every piece of furniture, new or antique, is an example of exquisite craftsmanship. The whole effect adds up to a warm family home." FBN Construction: 17 Wolcott Ct., Hyde Park, 617-333-6821; fbnconstruction.net C&J Katz Studio: 60 K St., South Boston, 617-464-0330; candjkatz.com . "THE QUALITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION ALLOWED EXTREMELY MODERN FINISHES AND CABINET WORK TO LIVE SIDE BY SIDE WITH ELABOR ATE TR ADITIONAL DETAILS." —jeffrey katz, c&j katz studio Italian Calacatta marble was carved into a kitchen counter by TBR Marble and Granite, while cabinets were sourced from Cabinets by Scavolini. above: In this library, extensive prep work was needed to create 21st-century walls. "Seventy-five percent is preparing the framing— making the symmetry work—before anyone picks up a paintbush," says FBN Construction's Bob Ernst. BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 93