GIS and Housing

GIS and Housing

Deborah Rojas De Leon, a co-author of GIS and Housing: Principles and Practices, brings her expertise to the forefront by creating all the informative graphics within the book. This book tackles the complexities of the current housing crisis in the United States, proposing denser housing options as a solution to affordability issues, limited supply, and homelessness. GIS and Housing goes beyond theory, demonstrating how Geographic Information Science (GIS) can be a powerful tool to untangle these intricate housing challenges. The authors, with their diverse backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, community engagement, and GIS, offer a well-rounded exploration of housing issues, grounded in real-world experiences. The book starts with a historical perspective, then dives into the technical aspects of GIS management. This approach bridges the gap between housing professionals and GIS experts, fostering collaboration. Through this interdisciplinary teamwork, the book proposes solutions that not only address housing but also tackle climate change and income inequality. By advocating for a collaborative approach, the authors empower all stakeholders to confront the multifaceted housing crisis with a shared understanding and purpose. GIS and Housing doesn’t just illuminate the pressing issues; it serves as a roadmap towards a future where housing is equitable and accessible for all Americans.

University Heights Facade Repair

University Heights Facade Repair

Rojas AP was hired to prepare FISP Filing and Facade Repair Drawings with the Department of Buildings to address SWARMP conditions on a residential building in the Bronx. Our strategy involved filing a basic Facade Repair Scope based on identified repair locations outlined in the Cycle 8 FISP Report. Close-up inspections using pipe scaffolding were conducted in accordance with LL11 (Local Law 11) standards. The repairs included brick repointing, removing and replacing sealants at coping joints, and crack repairs to the existing concrete balconies. Throughout the project, Rojas AP conducted site visits to monitor construction progress. During these inspections, it became clear that the conditions of the existing balconies were significantly worse. The worsening conditions were caused by water ingress into the balcony at the balcony railing posts. Rojas AP filed a Post Approval Amendement (PAA) to incorporate the additional work and updated details for balcony repair. Rojas AP collaborated with the contractor, property owner, and manufacturer representatives to ensure the use of appropriate materials essential to completing the project. Upon completion of the project, Rojas AP submitted a subsequent FISP report to update the filing status to SAFE, indicating compliance with regulatory standards and the successful completion of the necessary repairs.

LOCATION
BRONX, NY

Grand Concourse Facade Repairs

Grand Concourse Facade Repairs

Rojas AP was hired to prepare and file drawings with the Department of Buildings for the repair of Unsafe and SWARMP (Safe with a Repair Maintenance Program) conditions reported on the Cycle 8 FISP Report of an 8-story high commercial building. Repairs entailed brick repointing, brick replacement, corner replacement, and crack repair. The construction administration lead by the Rojas AP team provided close-up inspections at all suspended scaffold locations. While on-site, the team verified changes to the repair scope required by the conditions of the facade. Rojas AP was responsible for reviewing, requesting changes, and approving all AIA payment applications from the contractor. A Post Approval Amendment was required to show changes to the approved repair scope of work quantities, including additional work and credited amount from originals.

LOCATION
BRONX, NY

Flatbush Single Family Renovation

Flatbush Single Family Renovation

Rojas AP was introduced to this job by Mike’s Home Solutions (MHS), a general contractor that already had a relationship with the owner of this house. Rojas AP was brought on to review the scope of work for code compliance and prepare drawings for NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) filing. The house was a childhood home that the client was looking to update for her family’s needs. The team at MHS worked closely with Rojas AP to create a base design plan that we were able to transform into a filing set for approvals. During plan review there were objections about the legitimacy of the third floor bedroom and bathroom. Without a Certificate of Occupancy, Rojas AP worked with historical photos and housing records to prove to the DOB that this bedroom met all historical code requirements and could remain as such. The construction phase went smoothly and Rojas AP was able to inspect and obtain final sign-off for this project.

LOCATION
BROOKLYN, 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

Real Estate Developer Corporate Headquarters

Real Estate Developer Corporate Headquarters

Rojas AP worked closely with Interior Design firm C McKEOUGH Unltd. for the interior renovation of four stories, second through the fifth floor, of new office space for a Real Estate Developer’s headquarters. The new corporate headquarters acquired a spacious new break room, lounge area, training room, kitchen, both open and closed office spaces, conference rooms, mechanical rooms, and ADA compliant bathrooms. Focused efforts were on code compliance and coordination with mechanical and plumbing trades. Rojas AP was responsible for the filing plans, required approvals, and sign-offs.

LOCATION
NEW ROCHELE, NY

Professional Office Renovation

Professional Office Renovation

Rojas AP designed and led the construction for the interior renovation of its new office space located in downtown Jamaica. The previous layout was set up for a medical office, and it included five private rooms, a reception, a kitchen, and a bathroom. To accommodate its growing team of architects and planners, Rojas AP proposed one conference room, for occasional client and weekly internal meetings. The kitchen, previously raised by a platform, was leveled with the rest of the space, and new cabinetry and a sink were installed. Due to the existing plumbing waste pipe, the bathroom remained elevated. For privacy, a new partition was proposed separating the open office space from the bathroom and kitchen area. There, a living green wall was installed to improve the overall comfort level and air quality of the space. To take advantage of all the existing windows, and maximize the natural light and cross-ventilation, the interior partitions were removed creating an open and collaborative area of work. One private office was proposed for the principal.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY