by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 | Brownstones & Townhouses, Landmarks, Restoration
New York City is defined in part by its historic townhouses — from the iconic brownstones to distinguished limestone residences of the Upper East Side. While brownstone may be the material most commonly associated with the city’s rowhouses, limestone has long... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 | Apartment Renovations, Landmarks, Restoration
Interior renovations in New York City landmark buildings follow a specific approval process governed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) and coordinated with the Department of Buildings (DOB). These projects require a clear understanding of regulatory... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 | Landmarks, Brownstones & Townhouses, Restoration
Many historic buildings were painted over time, often to address maintenance concerns or to create a uniform appearance. As these coatings age, they begin to deteriorate—peeling, trapping moisture, and obscuring the material quality and architectural detail of the... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 | Landmarks, Brownstones & Townhouses, Restoration
Window replacement in a landmark townhouse in New York City requires careful coordination between historic preservation requirements, architectural detailing, and modern performance standards. The façade composition of these buildings defines their architectural... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 25, 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...