Tarajia Morrell’s earliest memories are rooted in her family’s quirky one-bedroom apartment in New York City. From passing hors d’oeuvres at her parents’ dinner parties to navigating the unique layout (yes, you had to walk through her parents’ bedroom to reach the bathroom), this space has always held a special place in her heart.

Decades later, Morrell found herself fighting to keep that same apartment—a battle that went all the way to New York State’s highest court. Thanks to a ruling in her favor and a major building renovation, she’s now raising her daughter in the very home where she grew up.

“It’s such a special, quirky-as-can-be, meek, asymmetrical, magnificent place,” Morrell shared. The apartment hasn’t changed much over the years, and its charm remains intact. During the renovation, she had to box up books, remove doors from hinges, and temporarily clear out the space, but the effort was worth it to preserve a piece of her family’s history.

For Morrell, this apartment isn’t just a home—it’s a dream come true and a legacy for her daughter. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the fight for what matters most can lead to the sweetest victories.