BrickUnderground

I am managing and half owning a single room occupancy brownstone in NYC.The building needs a total gut renovation. The problem is that is has some tenants living in it who do not seem to mind living in a dump. The lawyers say legally one can try to owner occupy once the building is on one name and you have true intent on occupying. Apparently, it is difficult to negotiate because of the issue of harassment. Has anyone had any experience dealing with this issue successfully? Does anyone know of a good architect and contractor who have expertise in brownstones? (my past experiences have not been good with architects and contractors in NYC)