Jay Shaffer’s Post

Much smaller units, little to no amenities or parking, and more concrete = More affordable housing? "Jonathan Segal has some ideas for ending the housing crisis in one corner of California. The lauded FAIA architect is a do-it-all developer, investor, owner, general contractor, and property manager. One recent project showcases how defying conventional wisdom can help ease affordability constraints in housing markets such as San Diego. Segal’s self-described “demonstration project” is called The Continental, an eight-story, 27,000-square-foot community of 42 studio apartments, which average 380 square feet, plus glass-walled balconies or patios. Why demonstration? Because there was nothing like it in San Diego. The property is a test of amenities … or lack of them. Parking? Barely, just a couple spots. Dog park? No. Community room? No. Pool? No. Fitness center? No. Staffed front desk? No. The Continental travels light. Segal has little interest in the “can you top this?” amenity wars." https://lnkd.in/gtBUxQEd

“Costco is tackling the affordable housing crisis with a new mixed-use project in South Los Angeles. Partnering with developers Thrive Living and architects AO, the plan includes an 800-unit apartment complex, of which 184 units will be dedicated to affordable housing.. …Announced last year, the project will be located in Baldwin Village on a vacant five-acre lot that used to be a hospital. Thrive Living confirmed the project is still awaiting permits, and the construction start date remains unknown… …The complex will feature a gym, multi-purpose spaces, gardens, a rooftop pool, landscaping, and a large parking lot. However, Cohen likened its design to an "old school prison" due to the long hallways and compact units. The building method involves pre-manufactured apartment modules to expedite construction and reduce costs” #costco #realestate #realestatedevelopment #development #mixeduse #retail https://lnkd.in/gmYqwU3p

🏙️ Big things are happening in Vaughan! 🏗️ A proposed 17-building development is set to reshape the city's skyline with a dynamic mix of residential, office, and retail spaces. This project signals continued growth and opportunity for the area, potentially impacting both local living and investment landscapes. What are your thoughts on this large-scale development? How do you think it will shape Vaughan’s future? #VaughanRealEstate #DevelopmentNews #CityGrowth #RealEstateOpportunities

What's not to love about regreening parking lots into parks and urban farms? And throw in much needed denser, LEED platinum housing with transit access? Case Study #26 does both on the site of a strip mall and aging "garden apartment" buildings (with more parking than gardens.) While retrofits of suburban apartments too often result in gentrification and displacement, the phasing strategy of The Blairs District allows existing tenants to move into newly renovated or constructed units.

🌟 Exciting Building Projects Kickstarting in Georgia in 2025! 🌟 Georgia is set to witness significant growth in 2025 with several mixed-use and multi-family building projects that will transform communities and enhance living spaces: 1. 619 Ponce Expansion in Atlanta: This project involves expanding the Ponce City Market development using mass timber made from southern yellow pine. It's the first commercial project in Georgia to use this material, aiming to create a sustainable and innovative office space. 2. Airabella Lake Oconee: Located in Greensboro, this ambitious 137-acre mixed-use development will feature over 200 residential units, a retail village, a boutique hotel, and extensive green spaces. 3. South Spring Development in Smyrna: This $492 million project will include 650 multifamily units, hotel rooms, office space, and commercial areas, creating a vibrant new community near Truist Park. 4. The Stitch in Atlanta: This transformative project will cap parts of Interstate 75 and 85 with a 14-acre multi-use greenspace, connecting Atlanta’s Midtown, downtown, and Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods. These projects highlight Georgia's commitment to growth and innovation, providing diverse living, working, and recreational spaces. For more details, check out these articles: https://lnkd.in/eFaFdU2r https://lnkd.in/eeRaJr3p Are you excited about any of these projects, or are you looking to get involved?

A Toronto firm behind one of downtown Ottawa’s biggest mixed-use developments says it hopes to break ground next year on another project that could see thousands of housing units built in Kanata North, reported Ottawa Business Journal. "main + main Developments wants to transform a 13.6-acre site at the corner of March Road and Terry Fox Drive into a cluster of mid- and highrise buildings that would include more than 2,000 residential suites. The firm’s current application to subdivide the properties at 555, 591, 595 and 603 March Rd. calls for a series of buildings ranging from six to 30 storeys, including buildings of 24, 25, 26 and 30 storeys that would feature a mix of residential units and ground-floor commercial space." https://lnkd.in/dVQUR7Gj #ottawa #development #mixeduse

Small changes in housing policies can make big changes to housing volumes #housing #policy #innovation #people #municipalchange #leadership #CMHC

"As provinces and cities begin to allow for more density, they must also reconsider long-standing rules that no longer make sense. Single-stair buildings are no panacea but offer a type of housing that could rapidly flourish, if given the chance." Interesting editorial piece from The Globe and Mail exploring the need to update our building rules to unlock the potential of gentle density homes. In this case, it is about relaxing requirements that any multi-unit residential building in Canada over two storeys must be equipped with two separate exit (egress) staircases. Small Housing recently developed a Case Study report exploring this very issue, detailing this emerging movement across Canada to change the National Building Code to allow for single-egress residential buildings. As the report outlines, at the forefront of the movement is LGA Architectural Partners and David Hine, who are seeking to amend the NBC so as to allow single-egress buildings of up to six storeys above grade. Small Housing is watching this space with interest, as enabling greater design flexibility can be decisive in determining the financial viability of gentle density housing projects. You can explore this case study, as well as a suite of other case studies on various gentle density topics, over on our Gentle Density Toolbox - https://lnkd.in/gathe7DG https://lnkd.in/gUcRwj_X Tamara White Aina Adashynski David Sisk Vienna Braux Jeff Waters, P.Eng.

This work would not be possible without the continued partnership of our residents, the support of the City, and the commitment of our partners, MDG Design & Construction, Wavecrest Management Team, JPMorganChase, Grand Street Settlement, St. Nicks Alliance, New York City Housing Development Corporation, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Williamsburg demonstrates what is possible when we all work together to provide real solutions for New York City’s public housing residents. “As the Williamsburg Houses Resident Association President, I am excited to celebrate the completed renovation of Williamsburg Houses,” said Williamsburg Houses Resident Association President Lavonne McLamb. “For three years, we’ve partnered with RDC and St. Nicks to strengthen transparency and communication at Williamsburg Houses. I look forward to a bright future for everyone who calls Williamsburg Houses home.” For residents like Clover Moore, the transformation has been life-changing. “Since June, when I moved back here, it is the best! No mold. You smell nothing and there are no flies. The apartment is clean and beautiful,” she said. “Change is good! To other residents I say: the only change you are going to experience is the change in the interior of your apartment. Don’t be afraid of the change.” Renovations were guided by a commitment to preserving the property’s architectural legacy. The Williamsburg Houses were designed by Richmond H. Shreve, one of the architects of the Empire State Building, and William Lescaze, a pioneer of the International style in the U.S. Renovation work included ensuring that 100 percent of apartments are lead free so that over 3,000 residents can live in safe and healthy homes; comprehensive upgrades to all apartments, including repairs to kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces; exterior façade and roof repairs and window replacements designed to retain the building’s historic design; new building entrances with key fobs and intercom systems; new security infrastructure and extensive camera system; new heating system converted from steam to hydronic; and free Wi-Fi access in every apartment. Renovations to the grounds included repairs to basketball courts, new playgrounds and exercise stations, new water features, new poured-in-place safety surfaces, and enhanced lighting and walkways. #reinvest #restore #rebuild