Thank you all for your reply's and support. I really like getting constructive and creative feedback/ideas, so I'll further the forum with this additional information. My plan is to repourpose an old pedal powered sewing machine (Using the cast Iron legs and removing the actual sewing machine) into a kind of "old world" style writing desk. There will be a spot for an inkwell, Shelf and drawers on the back end, and if skills and tools allow, some drawers on the front sides. I Intend to preserve as much of the wood currently there (note: it is painted black and I know not what wood it is yet), except for the area where the machine currently resides. lastly, if the hardware permits, I will extend the new wood from front to back of desk, leaving only the original wood on the sides, to allow the writing surface to be continuous from front to back.
Note: I am using, almost exclusively, hand tools.