Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Interior Design Blog
Harlem Brownstone Renovation
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 22, 2024 | Brownstones, Renovations, Townhouses
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...
Floor Area Zoning Variance in NYC
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 20, 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...
Removing Paint from a Landmark Building in NYC
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 4, 2024 | Landmarks / Preservation, Restoration, Townhouses
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
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 Mar 20, 2024 | General Architecture, NYC Zoning, Property Development
The New York City Zoning Resolution sets regulations for developing a property, including all developments and improvements, from a new building to a small home addition. These regulations can sometimes be burdensome and result in unnecessary challenges for the owner....
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...
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