I
n 1953, Mademoiselle Magazine inquired about the Ladies Christian Union's boarding houses for young women, including Katharine House in Greenwich Village. The response provided details on the house's criteria: Protestant, unmarried girls under 35 were accepted, while widows and divorcees were not.

    Today, the site at 118 W. 13th St. is a seven-story luxury condominium, with prices starting at $9.85 million for a four-bedroom dwelling spanning roughly 3,500 square feet. The building's transformation was led by developer SLATE, BKSK Architects, and designer Nate Berkus, who aimed to preserve the historic charm while meeting modern lifestyle needs.

    Berkus, known for his design work on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The Nate Berkus Show," said in an email that each of the eight residences spans a full floor, offering versatile layouts. The pre-war building was originally constructed by architect Benjamin Wistar Morris in 1930 as a home for independent women pursuing education and jobs.

    When it closed its doors in 2000, Katharine House was one of the last remaining women's homes in the city. BKSK Architect Julie Nelson described the building as being "hollowed out" when they began the project in 2021, with only bay windows, stairs, and stripped brick walls remaining.

    The U-shape around the courtyard allowed for numerous exposures and private bedroom wings, giving each resident a connection to the back garden. Berkus selected the floor plan layouts, finishes, and decor, personally advising on architectural decisions. The goal was to make the Katharine feel timeless, with spaciousness and functionality that would appeal to families.

    Sales at the Katharine launched this spring under Compass, with two units above $10 million currently under contract, according to StreetEasy.