3-5 story #mediumscalemediumdensity buildings, an essential building block of mixed density/income neighborhoods. #TheExamplesAreAllAroundUs
The code issues for new versions of this typology are solvable.
From a policy standpoint, we need to exploit how they contribute to neighborhood urbanism.
Small multifamily: building blocks of neighborhood variety. 5 nearly identical 6-plexes combine to form 2 larger, street-defining apartment blocks. Units wider than deep allow rear parking. 3-story #MediumScaleMediumDensity form adds presence while staying appropriate. #theexamplesareallaroundus.
#mediumscalemediumdensity bldgs,3-5 stories, single or mixed use. These buildings are important for pedestrian-scaled downtowns, corridors, and neighborhoods; enough scale to help define a place, enough density to contribute to the urbanism of our streets, and the livability of the city for all.
3-story residential buildings are key city builders. At a scale that fits 2–2.5 story streets, they add dignified, affordable housing without disrupting neighborhood life. Context-friendly, and ideal for infill, this #mediumscalemediumdensity type has shaped great cities for generations.
In global housing density debates, one typology is often overlooked: the apartment neighborhood. Detroit’s Palmer Park shows how #mediumscalemediumdensity apartment districts create complete communities with walkability & character, without towers or lost livability. Similar models exist worldwide.
“#Wecantbuildthemlikethatanymore.”
3–5 storey mixed use/fully residential bldgs are the basic fabric of cities.
This #mediumscalemediumdensity type, especially when freed from onerous parking requirements, lets smaller developers/ institutions shape our neighborhoods and districts.
#citybuilding
Most cities think in extremes: main streets or neighborhoods.
Cities often neglect the Transitional Site. These are ideal locations for 3-story, #mediumscalemediumdensity buildings, bridging busy mixed-use corridors and quieter residential streets. They buffer, and compose the urban fabric.
“#Wecantbuildthemlikethatanymore.”
3–5 storey mixed use/fully residential bldgs are the basic fabric of cities.
This #mediumscalemediumdensity type, especially when freed from onerous parking requirements, lets smaller developers/ institutions shape our neighborhoods and districts.
#citybuilding
Who better to talk with about Missing Middle Housing than the man who coined the term, colleague Dan Parolek? Talked MMH, #MediumScaleMediumDensity, and cities. Then toured Dan and Ben Bolgar around Detroit to explore new projects and the city’s evolving development landscape.
#MediumScaleMediumDensity: 3–5 story residential or mixed-use buildings are the essential fabric of mixed-income, mixed-density neighborhoods. Historic examples are all around; we need new ones of equal quality. As zoning, parking & access barriers fall, where are today’s success stories?
Been thinking a lot about the 3-story building and its role in sustainable, walkable urbanism. Low-rise, adaptable, efficient, and perfect for filling gaps or transitioning between uses. The true workhorse for resilient urban corridors and downtowns. #mediumscalemediumdensity
3-4 story buildings hit the sweet spot: often cheaper to build, resource-efficient, and endlessly adaptable. They can fit almost anywhere, from main streets to side streets to neighborhood streets.
Just do this. All the time.
#mediumscalemediumdensity #parkintheresr #ReduceParking
3–4 story #mediumscalemediumdensity, mixed or single use, buildings are affordable to build, resource efficient, flexible, and perfect for filling gaps on urban streets. They’re scalable to corridors and neighborhoods. Just do this. Everywhere. All the time. #parkintherearinternalorexternal
As we now look at 6-unit buildings in the housing debate, it’s worth remembering these #mediumscalemediumdensity homes have long existed, some once held more units. Zoning & parking rules have slowed new builds, but that’s shifting.
The real challenge here?
Strategic deployment.
This #mediumscalemediumdensity residential building. It’s composed of various interesting “moments” and details.
This low-mid rise type(3-5 stories, 6-35 units, renovation or new), has been either #zonedoutofexistence OR suffered #deathbyproforma.
It’s time to revive this much needed type.
New construction, 6–8 unit building(s) in an infill condition.
We need to get back to enabling this in many of our mono-zoned ‘hoods. These are the kinds of #mediumscalemediumdensity projects that can enhance our existing neighbourhoods.
House simply.
House with dignity; whether new construction or existing.
Modest detailing and solid materials.
At a scale that doesn’t overwhelm the neighbourhood.
House thoughtfully.
We don’t want to create a crisis of quality also.
#mediumscalemediumdensity
Typically 6 units, these small res bldgs are the building blocks for physically and economically diverse communities. Archetypes for new infill. The #mediumscalemediumdensity is critical to unlocking the potential of neighborhoods. We need more, new, renovated, or transformed. #citybuilding
The traditional city has many archetypal templates for how successful urbanism.
#mediumscalemediumdensity housing; small scale, lower unit count development, that bridges the gap from higher density/ higher scale development on main streets to lower density single family development is one.
