Putting Art First in a New York Loft

Art Dealer and Conservator Transform TriBeCa Loft into Artful Oasis

In the 1960s and ’70s, New York artists flocked to downtown lofts in SoHo and TriBeCa for affordable rent and ample studio space. Fast forward to today, and these same lofts have transformed into luxury real estate, but the allure of the loft lifestyle remains strong in the art world.

Art dealer Peter Freeman, known for his contemporary and postwar minimalist works, and his wife, art conservator Lluïsa Sàrries Zgonc, recently purchased a 2,600-square-foot apartment on Warren Street in TriBeCa. The loft, occupying the entire fourth floor of a historic former warehouse, had not been touched since its 1990s condo conversion.

To bring their artistic vision to life, the couple enlisted architect Landon Brown to oversee the seven-month renovation. The space was reimagined to showcase art, with walls designed for sizable paintings, a library created from a guest room, and a kitchen featuring an ultradurable oak floor inspired by Barcelona factories.

The loft is filled with treasures collected over the years, reflecting Freeman’s passion for art since his days as an art history student at Harvard. From a full set of the art theory journal October to a desk designed by Donald Judd, the space is a testament to the couple’s love for art and design.

Art pieces by renowned artists like Thomas Schütte and Matt Mullican dominate the living space, while playful sculptures and furniture add a touch of whimsy throughout the apartment. From a plaster candy bar by Claes Oldenburg to a chair-shaped sculpture by Elisabetta Benassi, each piece tells a unique story.

The couple’s collection also includes trompe l’oeil paintings, emphasizing the timeless nature of art. As Freeman notes, “paintings last forever,” serving as a reminder of the enduring power of creativity.

With their TriBeCa loft now transformed into an artful oasis, Freeman and Sàrries Zgonc have created a space that not only showcases their love for art but also celebrates the rich history of the loft lifestyle in New York City.