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

Permeable Paver Parking Lot

Permeable Paver Parking Lot

Rojas AP redesigned a parking lot for a multi-family residential complex. The parking lot is located adjacent to the B. 22nd Street beach in Far Rockaway. The site is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as categorized by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The scope included parking lot design, grading, paving, and installing new light pole bases and conduits. In order to meet SFHA requirements and keep the lot draining properly in a storm event, a system of permeable pavers and drywells were designed. In order to keep drive lanes accessible for snow removal, we proposed a combined approach of traditional asphalt surfacing at circulation areas and Tru-Grid permeable pavers at the parking spots. This allowed us to keep the functionality of the parking lot for the client while meeting all DOB requirements for site rainwater storage.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Long Island City Zoning Study

Long Island City Zoning Study

Rojas AP was engaged by a local high end residential design build company looking to move their offices into a recently purchased workshop in the Industrial Building Zone in Long Island City. Our first step was to create an as-of-right scenario of the potential build out. This allowed a bump up of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) due to the partial manufacturing use. Although the increase to the allowable FAR was welcome, we were further engaged to review additional options for expansion. Rojas AP coordinated with the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) for insight into the Long Island City Study and potential means to increase the build-out potential of the property with a Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). We identified a minimum study area for a potential map change from M1-1 to M1-5, as recommended for the most success by DCP.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Fifth Avenue First Floor Renovation

Fifth Avenue First Floor Renovation

Rojas AP worked with the property owner to renovate the 1st floor of this six-story apartment building located in the Upper East Side. The proposed scope entailed adding an exercise room for the tenants and converting six of the existing office spaces into residential units, ranging from a studio to a two-bedroom apartment. The work also included installing new vestibule doors, new lighting, flooring, and wall panels in the common hallway area, all done in coordination with interior design firm C McKEOUGH Unltd. Rojas AP filed with the Department of Building an Alteration Type 1 application to change the use and dwelling unit count. Approvals from the Landmarks Preservation Commission were also obtained. In addition to coordinating with the interior designer, Rojas AP worked closely with the mechanical and structural engineers for coordination.

LOCATION
NEW YORK, NY