Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
NYC Rezoning Process
Zoning codes in New York City dictate the use and bulk of buildings based on their zoning district. Use regulations determine what goes into a building such as whether it is for residential, commercial, manufacturing, or community facility use. The Bulk regulations...
Why You Need a Separate Workspace at Home
Working from home has become a very common aspect of daily life. Many people work from home full time while some others work between home and the office. One common problem with working from home is the constant distraction coming from the home infiltrating into the...
Magnetic Paint For Kitchen Walls
You can hang papers, reminders, photographs, and most certainly children's drawings on the refrigerator using magnets. However, there are other options to create magnetic surfaces at home, with one being the use of magnetic paint or primer to create a magnetic wall....
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...
