by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 | Landmarks, Brownstones & Townhouses
People often use Townhouse and Brownstone interchangeably, but this is only sometimes correct. There is a distinction between the two. What is the Difference Between a Brownstone and a Townhouse? A Townhouse is an attached home within a city. These are built in a...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 | Additions & Enlargements, Brownstones & Townhouses, Renovating
In New York City, where space is limited, rooftop area can be an opportunity for additional outdoor living. While adding a roof deck to a townhouse can significantly enhance usability and value, the feasibility of such a project depends on regulations, structural...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 | Renovating, Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks
Renovating a townhouse in New York City is fundamentally different from renovating any other type of home. Between zoning regulations, Department of Buildings approvals, Landmarks Preservation Commission review (where applicable), and the challenge of creating a...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 | Landmarks, Brownstones & Townhouses, Restoration
Removing a fire escape from the front of a New York City landmark townhouse is a common consideration in high-end residential renovations. While fire escapes were often added for life-safety requirements when townhouses were converted to multifamily use, they can...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 20, 2026 | Building Conversions, Brownstones & Townhouses, NYC DOB
In New York City, some of the most undervalued townhouses on the market are former SRO properties. While these buildings offer significant upside, converting them back to single-family homes requires careful coordination of legal, regulatory, and construction factors....
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 22, 2026 | Renovating, Brownstones & Townhouses, Construction Practices
Many New York City townhouse renovations involve reconfiguring compartmentalized layouts to create larger, more connected living spaces. Homeowners frequently seek open kitchens, larger entertaining areas, improved circulation, and stronger connectivity between...