Missing Middle Housing

"Missing middle housing" is a term that describes a range of multi-unit buildings, such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes, that are compatible in scale with single-family homes but provide a wider variety of housing types. The term was coined by architect Daniel Parolek, author of Missing Middle Housing, to highlight the gap in housing options between single-family detached homes and large, mid-rise or high-rise apartment buildings.

We sat down with Daniel to discuss why this type of housing is often considered "missing" from many North American cities due to zoning laws enacted in the mid-20th century that favored single-family homes and explicitly banned these other types of residential buildings.

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As a result, many neighborhoods developed in the post-WWII era lack the diversity of housing types that were common in pre-1940s communities.

The concept of missing middle housing is rooted in several urban planning principles that aim to create more livable and equitable communities. The benefits include:

• Increased Affordability: By providing more units on a single parcel of land, missing middle housing can help lower the per-unit land cost, offering a more affordable option for residents. These buildings are often more economical to construct than high-rise buildings, which also contributes to their affordability.

• Walkability and Sustainability: These housing types can be built at a density that supports local businesses, public transit, and walkable neighborhoods. This reduces reliance on cars, which in turn promotes a healthier lifestyle and helps meet sustainability goals.

• Housing Diversity: Missing middle housing provides options for a wide range of household sizes, ages, and incomes, from young singles and small families to empty nesters and older adults who want to age in place in their existing neighborhoods. This can help create more inclusive and vibrant communities.