Daniel Parolekhas designed projects of all sizes.
Parolek has even coined a term to describe his compact concept:Missing Middle Housing.
They bike everywhere, including to work.
“They are missing middle in action!”
Why the term “Missing Middle”?
Why “middle”?
And why is the housing “missing”?
Where did it go?
Most people consider single-family homes as small-scale housing and apartment buildings as large scale.
I’m saying that what’s in between those two extremes is “missing.”
There’s a rapidly shifting idea of what the American Dream is.
They are willing to trade down to a smaller unit to have that lifestyle.
Currently, 30 percent, if not more, of all households are single person.
This will only increase.
you could imagine the impact these factors will continue to have on housing.
This is about stepping back and asking, “Whatisa compatible scale?
Missing middle tends to be in communities that are age diverse.
Many of us are living away from family.
Older adults as neighbors can provide support and become surrogate grandparents.
Yes, missing middle housing can have lots of steps.
For some, walking up and down stairs keeps them fit and healthy.
But there must be alternatives since a huge part of the population is getting older.
It’s just smart to provide more choice.
Missing Middle Features
1.
A walkable context
2.
A small footprint
3.
Less off-street parking
6.
Many areas already have townhouse developments that are as sprawling and isolated as single-family suburban subdivisions.
There are huge environmental benefits for this kind of housing, too.
We’re using less land and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and we’re getting people out of their cars.
The smart ones realize the growing market and are changing what they do to include missing middle housing.
Millennials, baby boomers and lots of people in between are looking for a walkable, urban lifestyle.
I think we are going to be seeing a lot more of it.
Many communities are really struggling with housing that is affordable and are looking for ways to provide more choices.
Builders are thinking about how they can meet this shifting demand.
That’s pretty shocking!
The timing is right.
The market is waiting.
The question is, will individuals and communities respond?
Article by Sally Abrahms | Page published June 2016
