by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 | Apartment Renovations, Architectural Services, NYC DOB
Combining condominium apartments is an effective strategy for creating larger homes within New York City’s dense residential buildings. While the architectural work focuses on integrating two units into a cohesive residence, the process also involves specific... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 | Apartment Renovations, Architectural Services, NYC DOB
In New York City, combining adjacent apartments is often the most effective way to create a larger, cohesive residence within an established building. For many buyers, it represents a strategic alternative to purchasing a single larger unit — particularly in prewar... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 28, 2026 | NYC DOB
A Certificate of Occupancy is a document the Department of Buildings issues describing the legal use and Occupancy of a building in New York City. If you are changing a building or home with alterations contradicting the Certificate of Occupancy, you must file an Alt... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 28, 2025 | NYC Zoning, Lofts, NYC DOB
SoHo and NoHo lofts are sometimes designated as Joint Living-Work Quarters for Artists (JLWQA). If you are not an artist and would like to own one of these lofts, you can now convert certain JLWQA lofts to unrestricted residential lofts due to the SoHo / NoHo rezoning... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 3, 2022 | NYC DOB
On December 15, 2021 New York City Council passed a rezoning plan to SoHo and NoHo. This plan incorporates rezoning to mixed use zoning districts for commercial and residential uses with Mandatory Inclusionary Housing for residential developments within the newly... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 28, 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 is legally and technically complex. After the Great Depression, many...