Types of Missing Middle Housing
Missing middle housing can be a multitude of different developments. Some of the more common examples are Multiplexes, Townhouses, Courtyard Apartments, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Multi-Family Units
[Images left to right: duplex, fourplex, sixplex renderings]
Duplexes and multi-plexus are residential buildings divided into multiple separate living units that fall under one roof. These multi-family homes typically look similar to single-family homes; however, they have multiple living units with separate entrances within the building. They are extremely land efficient, cost efficient, and provide greater rental income and housing density within a property. When designed intentionally, multiplexes can add to the surrounding community's character and be included in single-family home neighborhoods to add gentle density to an existing community.
Townhomes
Townhouses are multi-story residential property that share a common wall with the adjacent unit, offering a similar feel to a single-family home but with higher density. Many provide both rental and ownership options and typically have a small outdoor space, balcony, or patio depending on the property. They typically offer community amenities such as pools, playgrounds, and fitness centers and allow for walkability within communities. Townhouses are an extremely efficient use of space, allowing for functional living in a smaller area, while being a dense, diverse, and affordable housing option. Townhomes can be an effective option for households that want the space of a single-family home but without the yard maintenance required.
Cottage Court
Cottage Courts are small-scale residential apartment units that are surrounded by a central shared space (or courtyard) providing a community feel by blending privacy and community. By offering shared outdoor spaces, they encourage social interactions within communities while maintaining the privacy of a housing unit. These smaller homes offer a single-family home feel, on a smaller and more manageable lot of land while providing a deeper sense of community with neighbors.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small self-contained residential units that share a property with a larger primary residence such as a single-family home. These can exist in both dethatched and attached forms such as a standalone structure or an addition to the main house that shares at least one wall. These are typically small units but have everything you might need such as a living area, kitchen, bathrooms, bedroom, and even a separate entrance. ADUs are a great way to add a living space for multi-generational homes, host family members or guests, or even rent out for additional income.
Challenges and Considerations regarding Missing Middle Housing
Despite the potential to provide more diverse and affordable housing options and having a multitude of benefits, many challenges impede the acceptance of missing middle housing within communities.
Most communities face the challenge of push back and community resistance as homeowners do not want change within their own neighborhoods. There are many misconceptions that missing middle housing projects will increase traffic, parking shortages, and change the character of neighborhoods. However, this typically comes from a lack of awareness within communities that leads to resistance due to misconceptions and lack of information.
Missing middle housing options increases walkability within communities lessening traffic and offers options to community members struggling to afford housing in unique and affordable ways.
The biggest challenge facing missing middle ground housing is zoning.
Most areas have zoning laws that favor single family homes, making it nearly impossible to build anything else in the area. This restricts and sometimes even prohibits the construction of denser housing types such as duplexes and townhomes.
While single family homes are a great option for families, people don't always need a single-family home, nor can they afford one with the increased price of housing. The approval process for middle housing is a long and costly process which discourages construction of these types of housing and regulations often limit the number of units allowed on a lot making it difficult to develop missing middle housing as well.
Solutions for Elected Officials
- Encourage policy changes that streamline development.
- Modify zoning regulations to allow for missing middle housing options.
Solutions for Residents
- Attend city council meetings.
- Learn about how missing middle housing options will impact housing costs.
These changes will encourage and support developers in building missing middle housing options.
Missing middle housing is a vital component of creating more inclusive, sustainable, and affordable communities. By providing a range of housing options that fit within the scale of existing neighborhoods, it offers a solution to the housing crisis that many cities and towns are currently facing.
We as residents of Northwest Arkansas must encourage change and be flexible in the coming years as the housing crisis will not resolve itself. We must create long-lasting change that will impact future generations and that starts with providing options beyond single family homes and large apartment complexes.
Coined by Dan Parolek, Missing Middle Housing was a featured topic of conversation at our 2024 Housing Summit.
Written by Samantha Kascoutas