We are not missing. A Better Way to support Walkability

“Missing” Middle

 

    

• Missing Middle – What is it?

About a decade ago, Opticos coined the term “Missing Middle — this is a type of housing that provides density at a compatible scale to houses. And Middle Housing is NOT missing in Summit Hill. We have lots of it — mostly build before 1940. We want more. We don’t want oversize suburban boxes that belong elsewhere.  Here are the advantages of Missing Middle — courtesy Opticos.

• FACT: The block of St Albans Street South between Summit and Grand is 100% multifamily housing. We have lots of not-missing Middle housing here. It is an inviting way to add more neighbors and create a variety of housing options. New housing should support and complement the vibrant mix that is here.

What? Missing Middle Housing www.missingmiddlehousing.com 

1. House-scale buildings with multiple units in walkable neighborhoods
2. A range of house-scale buildings with multiple units—compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes—located in a walkable neighborhood.

Why? 

1. Walkable and Accessible Amenities 
   • Quality of life, sustainability – people want it
2. Variety of Transportation 
   • All modes—people want to be able to choose their mode according to their needs
3. Affordability 
   • Smaller homes and apartments cost less to rent or purchase and maintain, while urban neighborhoods provide services and amenities within walking distance as well as a variety of affordable transportation options
4. Sense of Community

Quality of life, livability, safety

How? 

1. Walkable Context 
   • Walkable = you can walk (but you can also bike/bus/drive)
2. Small-Footprint Buildings 
   • So important – this is the compatible scale component. Buildings that provide more housing and more housing types and options but without changing the essential character of a neighborhood 
3. Lower Perceived Density 
   • So important—also about essential character. There are neighborhoods, particular those on transit that can and should have a have a mid-rise and high-rise scale, but not all. 
4. Smaller, Well-Designed Units 
   • So important
5. Fewer Off-street Parking Spaces 
   • Balanced approach. We still need to plan for cars and parking. The automobile is the dominant form of transportation and the backbone of commerce and people’s mobility. People work all over the metro –in Woodbury, Bloomington, Minneapolis, Edina. 
6. Simple Construction 
   • Codes/ expense to construct and maintain
7. Creates Community 
   • Yes
8. Marketable
   • Yes