by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jun 11, 2026 | Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks, Restoration
Historic homes often contain layers of history that are not immediately visible. Over decades, and sometimes more than a century, buildings are altered, renovated, repaired, and adapted to meet changing needs. Original architectural details may be removed, modified,...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 1, 2026 | Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks, NYC DOB
Renovating, restoring, and enlarging a property within a designated historic district or on an individual landmark within New York City requires approval from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). These approvals are a fundamental part of the...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 | Landmarks, Brownstones & Townhouses, Renovating
Brownstone renovations in Harlem require a comprehensive architectural strategy that balances historic preservation with modern residential design. Many Harlem townhouses were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and present a mix of aging infrastructure,...
by Jorge Fontan | Apr 23, 2026 | Additions & Enlargements, Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks
Rooftop additions to landmark townhouses and brownstones in New York City present a highly specific architectural challenge. These projects require balancing strict landmark preservation requirements with the desire to expand living space, improve natural light, and...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 | Additions & Enlargements, Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks
Rooftop additions on brownstones and townhouses in New York City present a unique architectural condition where expansion occurs within the constraints of historic context. Many of these properties are located within designated landmark districts, where alterations...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 | Additions & Enlargements, Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks
Enlarging a townhouse in New York City is not simply a design decision — it is a regulatory and structural feasibility question. Zoning regulations, landmark oversight, building code requirements, and Department of Buildings approvals collectively determine what can...