Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design Blog
Converting To Multi Family NYC
Many people who own single-family and two-family homes are interested in converting them to multifamily apartment buildings. Can You Convert a Single-Family Home Into a Multifamily in NYC? You can convert a single-family home into multifamily in NYC if it complies...
Residential Buildings in Commercial Zoning NYC
New York City has 3 types of zoning districts: Commercial, Residential, and Manufacturing. In most cases you can develop a residential building in a commercial zoning district. Can you build a residential building in a commercial zoning district in NYC? In most cases...
Apartment Renovation Architect in NYC
Renovating an apartment in NYC is a big deal and starts with selecting the right team for your project. You will need a competent team of experienced professionals, including a good general contractor and a residential architect. NYC apartment renovations require...
R8 Zoning NYC
R8 Zoning in NYC is a "high density" residential zoning district. R8 Zoning is mostly in the Manhattan and the Bronx as well in parts of Brooklyn. There are also commercial districts that have an equivalent Residential Zone of R8. This article will focus on the basics...
R7 Zoning NYC, R7-1 Zoning, & R7-2 Zoning
R7 is a medium density residential zoning district. R7 Zoning is found commonly in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. This article will focus on basic R7 Zoning districts including R7-1 Zoning & R7-2 Zoning. We will not be going into the contextual...
Pre Design Architecture
Pre-design is the first steps to a property development. In this phase the owner and architect establish and analyze a set of conditions and research that will establish the framework and requirements for the building development. This includes site analysis, zoning,...
Flood Proof House Design
A flood proof house design must be elevated above the base flood elevation allowing water to pass through below the house to prevent hydrostatic pressure on the home. There cannot be any walls, electrical, or mechanical equipment within the flood elevation. The house...
Hotel Zoning in NYC
Hotels fall under commercial zoning in New York. You can build hotels in commercial zoning and some manufacturing zoning districts. Hotels are not permitted in residential zoning unless it has a commercial overlay that allows for hotels. Below is a list of hotel...
Inclusionary Housing Program in NYC
Affordable Housing is a problem in New York, because The City is one of the most expensive in the world to live in. New York City created the Inclusionary Housing Program to create new affordable units in NYC. What is the Inclusionary Housing Program? In New York...
Building an Addition in NYC
Building additions are going on all over New York. Vertical enlargements are especially common in NYC. Here are some basic things to consider if you are looking to do a building addition. Building an Addition Zoning Development Rights (Air Rights) If you have...