The Grand Mulberry Apartments by Morris Adjmi Architects – A Contemporary Tribute to Little Italy’s Architectural Heritage

Located at the historic intersection of Grand Street and Mulberry Street in the heart of Little Italy, New York City, The Grand Mulberry Apartments is a striking residential project by Morris Adjmi Architects (MA). Completed in 2022, the 36,000 ft² condominium development thoughtfully bridges New York’s Italianate architectural heritage with contemporary urban living, creating a building that resonates with history while embracing modernity.

Inspired by Italianate Tenements

The architectural language of the building draws direct inspiration from the Italianate tenement buildings that define the neighborhood’s cultural fabric. The façade, clad in custom-profiled Glen-Gery bricks, creates a dynamic reinterpretation of these historic forms. Unlike many of MA’s projects that borrow abstractly from their surroundings, The Grand Mulberry pays literal homage to its context while maintaining a contemporary spirit.

One of the most distinctive design features is the use of “ghost windows.” These irregularly arranged classical elements contrast with the regular cadence of real windows, creating a playful dialogue between past and present architectural traditions.

A Modern Reinterpretation of Traditional Façade Patterns

Italianate tenements were typically designed with a tripartite façade: a detailed base, a middle section, and an ornate top. The Grand Mulberry reinterprets this tradition:

• Floors 1–2: Defined by strong horizontal banding.
• Floors 3–5: Marked by pediment-style windows.
• Floor 6: Features arched windows and a pronounced cornice that crowns the structure.

This layering effect provides a strong visual rhythm, while quoining details further articulate the bays. The result is a building that feels rooted in its context but unapologetically modern.

Innovative Use of Custom Bricks

The façade’s character relies heavily on the custom hand-molded bricks used in its construction. Around thirty different shapes were developed for the project, including:

• Double bricks with double domes
• Bricks with single domes
• Curved and lipped bricks
• Smooth bricks without domes

The consistent red-orange clay tone references the traditional masonry buildings of Little Italy, while the modern application of double-stacked running bond coursing creates a refined and innovative surface texture.

Penthouse and Terraces

At the rear, the 7th floor steps back to form a spacious terrace for the penthouse unit. This setback not only reduces the building’s bulk at the street level but also creates desirable outdoor living space with sweeping city views.

The penthouse and bulkhead are wrapped in medium-gray standing seam metal panels, offering a subtle material contrast to the warm brickwork below. This juxtaposition emphasizes the hierarchy of the façade while ensuring the penthouse remains distinct yet harmonious.

Contextual Yet Contemporary

From its historic design references to its modern construction techniques, The Grand Mulberry embodies Morris Adjmi Architects’ philosophy of designing buildings that are contextual yet forward-looking. It celebrates the cultural richness of Little Italy while responding to the evolving needs of contemporary urban living in Manhattan.

All the photographs are works of Selvon Ramsawak, Glen-Gery