Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
SoHo Rezoning 2021
On December 15, 2021 New York City Council passed a rezoning plan to SoHo and NoHo. This plan incorporates rezoning to mixed use zoning districts for commercial and residential uses with Mandatory Inclusionary Housing for residential developments within the newly...
Converting a Studio To One Bedroom in NYC
Can you turn a studio into a one bedroom apartment? It is possible to legally turn a studio apartment into a one bedroom apartment in NYC provided the studio has sufficient floor area and windows. An architect can obtain approval from the NYC Department of Buildings...
Townhouse Additions NYC Landmarks
New York City has very strict Zoning and Building Codes as well as regulations on Landmark Buildings. Depending on the specific zoning district regulations on a given property it may be possible to enlarge a townhouse by building an addition to the existing structure....
Remove A Fire Escape Landmark Townhouse
You just bought a beautiful New York townhouse or one that needs work but has lots of potential. The only problem is there's an ugly fire escape on the front of it. You then ask, is it possible to have a fire escape removed from the front of a Landmark Townhouse in...
What Is A Classic Six Apartment?
A "Classic Six Apartment" is a term commonly used in New York City real estate parlance to describe an apartment in a prewar building that has six rooms consisting of a kitchen, living room, dining room, two bedrooms and a maid's room. Classic Six Apartments I...
What Is a Maisonette Apartment?
In New York, the term maisonette apartment is used to refer to any apartment on the ground floor that has an entrance accessible directly from the street. While the apartment may also be accessible from the lobby, if it has a private sidewalk entrance, it is a...
Wall-Mounted Toilets Pros and Cons
Toilets can be put into two categories: floor mounted and wall-mounted (also referred to as wall-hung). Like any other fixture or finish that you choose for new home renovations, toilets have implications related to aesthetics, ergonomics, cost, installation, and...
How to Elevate an Ikea Kitchen
Perhaps you've decided to renovate your kitchen or you are building a new home. Somewhere along the way, you'll need to determine what you're willing to spend on your kitchen. If your budget is on the lower end of the spectrum, then you will probably be considering...
Masculine Interior Design Ideas
Add Texture One of the most straightforward ways to add a sense of Masculinity to home is with raw textures. By avoiding polished materials, you achieve a more rugged and imperfect look. A space that appears almost unfinished can really emphasize its...
Living Room Decorating Ideas From NYC Apartments
Artwork One of the best ways to transform a space is to add artwork. Hanging art on your living room walls will add beauty, color, character, and can help showcase individuality. Not all people are big on artwork for the home, but this is a really great...
