by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 | Architectural Services, Brownstones & Townhouses, Building Conversions
Most of the New York City classic brownstones and townhouses were originally conceived as single-family homes, organized vertically with clearly defined relationships between formal and private spaces. Over time, many of these buildings were adapted into two-family... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 | Architectural Services, Brownstones & Townhouses, Building Conversions
New York City townhouses were originally built as single-family homes, with layouts organized around vertical living, formal room sequences, and a clear hierarchy of public and private spaces. Following the economic pressures of the early 20th century, particularly... 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 Feb 28, 2026 | NYC DOB, Additions & Enlargements, Building Conversions
Navigating building permits in New York City can feel overwhelming. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) maintains a complex filing system, and understanding which type of alteration application your project requires is an essential first step in any renovation...