Iconic home improvement series, This Old House, announced its first-ever New York City project—a brownstone in historic Prospect Park.

This Brooklyn-based renovation will follow homeowners Kevin and Karen through the rehab and restoration of their 1904 Renaissance Revival town home, transforming the former rooming house into a three-family home—providing two floors of space for the couple and their three children, while allowing the garden and third floor level to be rented for additional income.

Although considerable damage was done to the 4,000-square-foot property during its years as a boarding house, many period details are still intact, and the team will work to refurbish those pieces alongside modern amenities. To do this, the newest member of the This Old House team, Carole Freehauf, will walk Kevin and Karen through the step-by-step process of creating an interior that is sophisticated, yet comfortable. With more than 20 years of design experience, Carole will create an interior that fits the family’s personality and lifestyle, while choosing durable materials for the two new rental units—as the family hopes to reclaim these for private use in the future.

With the extensive labor brought to this location, the This Old House team can rest assured Brooklyn’s diverse culture will make them feel right at home. If the team needs a quick taste of Massachusetts, Bussaco’s in Park Slope or Surf Bar in Williamsburg will serve up chowder comparable to the classic New England variety—just one of many reasons Brooklyn was the perfect choice for This Old House.

—Holly Marie Busacca

The Brooklyn project, highlighting the rehab of a Brooklyn-based family townhouse, will be featured over 10 episodes, beginning Thursday, January 22, 2009.