Greenwich Village Unit Combination

Greenwich Village Unit Combination

Rojas AP worked closely with the unit owners general contractor, and interior designer to do a gut renovation of a combined unit in a landmark district. The scope of work consisted of combining a two-bedroom and one-bedroom apartment that acquired a spacious a dining room and living room with a wet bar. During the schematic design phase, Rojas AP focused on code compliance which included converting a 3-piece bathroom into an ADA adaptable powder room and a kitchenette into an ADA adaptable master bathroom. It was especially challenging to obtain approval from the Coop Board as the scope included mechanical work. Given the landmarked status of the building, throughwall units that were intended to be installed were not allowed as the units are located on the third floor facing the street where the stone facade of the building cannot be penetrated. The resolution was to install a ductless split AC system with a model that had less noise output than a traditional window AC unit. The board approved the condenser to be wall mounted in the rear courtyard. Rojas AP was also responsible for coordinating with the building’s expediting company to do the filings with the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) and NYC Department of Buildings.

LOCATION
MANHATTAN, NY

Upper West Side Window Replacement

Upper West Side Window Replacement

Rojas AP was hired by the unit owner to coordinate Coop Board and Landmarks Preservation Committee (LCP) approval for the combination replacement and restoration of the 10th and 11th-floor windows. The owner wanted to replace the existing two-story window unit with a more energy-efficient one. The old unit was drafty and also allowed water to infiltrate the unit, causing deterioration of the existing steel frame and interior finishes. The scope was presented to the LPC Commission by the window contractor prior to Rojas AP’s involvement. The LPC granted approval for the replacement but required the window mullions to be reconfigured to a historical condition. Rojas AP was then hired to both satisfy the LPC requirements and allow the owner to keep the expanded view of Central Park. The solution Rojas AP proposed was to replace the 11th-floor window and spandrel section, but only repair the 10th-floor portion, thereby saving the desired mullion configuration. In addition to coordinating approvals with the LPC, Rojas AP was also in charge of reviewing the proposals, timelines, and payment applications from all professionals involved.

LOCATION
NEW YORK, NY

Upper West Side Zoning Analysis

Upper West Side Zoning Analysis

Rojas AP was hired by the prospective owner of the building to determine the vertical extension potential of the existing property. The client’s intent was to obtain LPC staff-level approval that would allow him to build a new story for a music room. Given that it is a building in a historic district, in addition to the bulk regulations set forth by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Rules, NYC Zoning Resolution would apply. Rojas AP cross-referenced its findings and was able to determine that although the maximum height was 125’, the allowable LPC envelope dimensions were less. The analysis included a PDF with the building location map, a schematic building section, and an interactive video animation of the 3D model showing building bulk capacity from all street view locations shown in the location map.

LOCATION
NEW YORK, NY

Upper East Side Apartment

Upper East Side Apartment

Rojas AP worked with the property owner of this six-story apartment building to renovate three apartments stacked vertically on the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors. The former four-bedroom apartments were turned into three-bedroom units so that the living room, kitchen, and study could enjoy a more spacious and integrated area now facing Central Park. Rojas AP took advantage of the space gained by the removal of an obsolete fireplace and chimneys. Also, the renovation to the top three floors provided straight-forward roof access for mechanical equipment to serve the renovated apartments. Rojas AP worked with NYC Landmarks to gain approval for the rooftop equipment. In addition coordination between the interior designer, mechanical engineer, and structural engineer was provided by Rojas AP.

LOCATION
NEW YORK, NY