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...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 20, 2026 | Brownstones & Townhouses, General Architecture, Renovating
Combining two adjacent townhouses in New York City creates the opportunity for expansive residential layouts, larger entertaining spaces, improved circulation, and highly customized luxury homes. Townhouse combinations are among the most complex forms of residential...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 20, 2026 | Renovating, Brownstones & Townhouses, Home Design
Adding an elevator to a townhouse is a highly technical project that affects structure, layout, fire protection, code compliance, and construction logistics. The elevator must be integrated into the architecture of the home while maintaining circulation, proportions,...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 | Additions & Enlargements, Brownstones & Townhouses, Renovating
Adding a rear deck is one of the most effective ways to expand the usable space of a townhouse in New York City. A well-designed deck creates a direct connection between the interior and the rear yard, improving both functionality and the overall experience of the...