This week’s blog is a hat-tip to Chris who recently posted an idea entitled “Downtown Living for Key Workers.” The post highlights the possibility for micro-housing (units at less than 400 sq. ft.) to provide more affordable rental units in Charleston, and references similar approaches in Portland or Denver. Another example is this building currently in development for New York City with 55 units ranging in size from 270 to 350 square feet. The competition-winning scheme was unveiled in early 2013 and is one offering in the mix to address the city’s current shortfall of over 800,000 affordable housing units. This type of concept is growing as many municipalities weigh options that can curb gentrification in desirable downtown areas that attract young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Micro-housing piggy-backs off of the larger “tiny house” movement, a trend that goes beyond affordability and suggests a larger cultural shift. In Shaunacy Ferro’s article at Fast Company, she notes it is largely accepted that, while not exactly earth-shattering, a tiny house in a rural setting is an environmentally better choice than building a “McMansion.” However, the article holds forth on a more important message about the construction of tiny dwellings in urban settings. Establishing this possibility affords a range of options for young professionals, seniors, and couples, whether it is a building made up of small units, ala New York City’s option, or the addition of “granny flats” to add greater density in established urban neighborhoods.
There is a lot of room for discussion on this topic. Thanks to Chris for putting it on the table.
