About Jorge Fontan
This post was written by Jorge Fontan AIA a Registered Architect and owner of New York City architecture firm Fontan Architecture. Jorge Fontan has earned 3 degrees in the study of architecture including two degrees from the City University of New York and a Masters Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Jorge has a background in construction and has been practicing architecture for 20 years where he has designed renovations and new developments of various building types.
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Here are my most recent posts
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 16, 2024 | Local Law 11 / FISP, NYC DOB
In New York City, the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), also known as Local Law 11 (LL11), sets requirements for inspecting buildings over six stories. These inspections operate on a schedule with a five-year cycle. The FISP Cycle determines when...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 10, 2024 | NYC Zoning, Property Development
The New York City Zoning Resolution establishes all of the zoning use and bulk requirements for new developments and alterations to existing buildings. Sometimes, due to unique conditions, following these regulations can be difficult and even impossible, making a...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jun 7, 2024 | Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks
Harlem has many brownstones, typically built in the late 1800s and some in the early 1900s. These residences are attached townhouses with facades made from brownish sandstone, which is where the name brownstone comes from. These brownstones were built over a hundred...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 8, 2024 | General Architecture, NYC Zoning, Property Development
The New York City Zoning Resolution sets regulations for developing a property, from a new building to a small home addition. These rules can sometimes be burdensome and result in unnecessary challenges for the owner. NYC has a system known as a Zoning Variance, where...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 29, 2024 | Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks
Believe it or not, some people have painted over historic masonry facades and other architectural elements of buildings, townhouses, and brownstones in New York City over the years. Over time, this paint can start to peel and look terrible; it also covers the original...