Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Interior Design Blog
Removing Paint from a Landmark Building in NYC
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 4, 2024 | Landmarks / Preservation, Restoration, Townhouses / Brownstones
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...
Brownstone Facade Restoration in NYC
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 4, 2024 | Landmarks / Preservation, Restoration, Townhouses / Brownstones
New York City has many beautiful Brownstones, but these can be in disrepair. Considering these homes are well over one hundred years old, they often need restoration. Can You Restore a Brownstone Facade Brownstone is a brownish-colored sandstone that was a popular...
Side Yard Zoning Variance in NYC
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 29, 2024 | General Architecture, NYC Zoning, Property Development
The New York City Zoning Resolution sets regulations for developing a property for everything from a new building to a small home addition. These regulations can sometimes be burdensome and result in unnecessary challenges for the owner. NYC has a system known as a...
How To Renovate Your Condo in NYC
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 2, 2024 | Apartment Renovations, General Architecture, Renovations
If you are planning to renovate a Condo apartment in NYC, you will need to know what you can and cannot do, as well as the process for renovating. Renovating a Condo in NYC You can renovate your Condo as long as you abide by all regulations from the Condo board...
NYC Apartment Kitchen Ideas
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 2, 2024 | Apartment Renovations, Interior Design, Kitchen Design
The kitchen is such a crucial space within a home that its design must be held to a high standard. There are endless options when designing a kitchen, but making a space that works for you and exhibits your character is a great starting point. I am Jorge Fontan, an...
Opening a Kitchen in an NYC Apartment
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 3, 2024 | Apartment Renovations, Kitchen Design, Renovations
New York City has many older apartments built at a time before people wanted large open kitchens. These apartments often have small enclosed kitchens that are not on par with today's living standards. If you want to modernize your home with an open kitchen, there are...
What is a Zoning Variance?
by Jorge Fontan | Nov 30, 2023 | General Architecture, NYC Zoning, Property Development
Zoning is a set of regulations that govern how to use or develop a given property. These codes restrict the use and bulk of a building. In some cases, complying with the zoning regulations may be challenging. That is why you can apply for a zoning variance. What is...
Can You Use a Marble Slab as a Backsplash?
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 3, 2024 | Interior Design, Kitchen Design, Materials & Finishes
There are many different materials you can use for a backsplash but none are to be compared with full stone slabs such as marble. Using a Marble Slab Backsplash You can use a marble slab as a backsplash which is a very high-end look. Installing a full slab...
12 Details from a High-End NYC Apartment Renovation
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Dec 31, 2023 | Apartment Renovations, Interior Design, Luxury Interiors
A High-End apartment renovation is defined by the quality of the craftsmanship and materials used throughout the home. For example, high-end renovations use custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances to create a truly luxury home. Quality is everything when...
NYC Parapet Inspections, New Rule, Local Law 126
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Sep 22, 2023 | FISP Local Law 11, NYC DOB, Restoration
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....
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