Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
NYC Parapet Inspections, New Rule, Local Law 126
A parapet is any portion of a wall extending above a roof. These portions of a building can deteriorate over time and create a public hazard. To prevent a danger to the public, New York City has initiated a new rule to require inspections of parapets within the city....
Why White Oak is Good for Flooring
There are many options for wood flooring, but they are not all equal. You should consider both durability and aesthetics when selecting wood floors. White Oak is consistently a good choice of all the wood floors you can use and is high on my list of options. Is...
Tips for Renovating a Brownstone in NYC
Brownstones in New York can need a lot of work to renovate them. There are many things to consider and countless options on what you can do when remodeling your Brownstone. I am Jorge Fontan, an architect in New York and owner of Fontan Architecture, a Manhattan-based...
Replacing Windows on a Landmark Townhouse in NYC
New York City Townhouses and Brownstones were mostly built in the mid to late 19th century. Many of these homes, although not all, are Landmarks or in a Landmark District. These homes are well over a hundred years old and often need repairs. One common area of concern...
Difference Between a Brownstone and Townhouse
People often use Townhouse and Brownstone interchangeably, but this is only sometimes correct. There is a distinction between the two. What is the Difference Between a Brownstone and a Townhouse? A Townhouse is an attached home within a city. These are built in a...
Dog Showers are now a Thing
What is a Dog Shower? A dog shower is a built-in shower for bathing dogs or other pets. These dog showers are built the same as a normal shower but often smaller and can be located in a laundry room or other space within the home besides the bathroom. Dog showers are...
Why there is so much Scaffolding in NYC
Everywhere you look in New York City, there is scaffolding in front of buildings. It seems as if NYC is always under construction and covered in scaffolds. The question is, why? Why is there so much Scaffolding in NYC? There are many buildings in New York City with...
Convert Commercial Buildings to Residential in NYC
With the growing trend of working from home, more and more office space in New York is becoming unoccupied. Due to this ever-increasing trend, more people are interested in knowing if you can convert from commercial to residential. Can You Convert a Commercial...
What is an Alt CO in NYC
A Certificate of Occupancy is a document the Department of Buildings issues describing the legal use and Occupancy of a building in New York City. If you are changing a building or home with alterations contradicting the Certificate of Occupancy, you must file an Alt...
Are Concrete Houses Safe?
Concrete homes are growing in popularity due to multiple factors, such as their design aesthetic, sustainability concerns, and durability. One of the primary advantages of a concrete house is its superior performance against hazards. Are Concrete Houses Safe? A...
