Pritzker is leading a national bipartisan movement to restore property owners’ right to build middle housing—and to recover a building tradition that connects Illinois’ urban past to its civic future
The one area I wonder about is parking. Well designed courtyards work well for pedestrians and bicycles but they can also work with some parking. When I pencil the numbers, basement parking paid by the residents who want parking totally works for courtyards.
Yes, I think parking is totally feasible -- even at the ground level (cheaper than structured). We have designs for buildings with small garages with discrete garage entrances and 5-10 garage spots, in addition to an ADA unit or a small retail space.
I love the idea of a ground level garage with small or micro retail as street level cover! Small/micro retail is underutilized in North America. Courtyard blocks are an excellent way to accommodate them. A street front coffee shop or take-away restaurant adds life, and eyes, to the street. Being small makes it affordable for a solo-entrepreneur. It’s amazing what they do with small and micro retail in Korea and Japan.
Strong piece. I especially appreciated the focus on how cities historically evolved through incremental layers of housing and neighborhood investment, while modern systems often push toward larger singular interventions. That tension feels increasingly important in growing cities.
Yes, if you go through these old neighborhoods it's incredible density but all chunked into medium bites. Very effective way that we don't do at all anymore (because we made it illegal)
Preach it sister!
The one area I wonder about is parking. Well designed courtyards work well for pedestrians and bicycles but they can also work with some parking. When I pencil the numbers, basement parking paid by the residents who want parking totally works for courtyards.
Thank you, Duane!
Yes, I think parking is totally feasible -- even at the ground level (cheaper than structured). We have designs for buildings with small garages with discrete garage entrances and 5-10 garage spots, in addition to an ADA unit or a small retail space.
I love the idea of a ground level garage with small or micro retail as street level cover! Small/micro retail is underutilized in North America. Courtyard blocks are an excellent way to accommodate them. A street front coffee shop or take-away restaurant adds life, and eyes, to the street. Being small makes it affordable for a solo-entrepreneur. It’s amazing what they do with small and micro retail in Korea and Japan.
Strong piece. I especially appreciated the focus on how cities historically evolved through incremental layers of housing and neighborhood investment, while modern systems often push toward larger singular interventions. That tension feels increasingly important in growing cities.
Yes, if you go through these old neighborhoods it's incredible density but all chunked into medium bites. Very effective way that we don't do at all anymore (because we made it illegal)
Really appreciated the piece and your framing of it.