New York City has granted waivers to its building codes on some projects to foster the development of micro apartments.
An impetus for this action was to create more housing in a city that has a shortage of affordable units, but the first projects to construct tiny apartments have been oriented to a higher-income clientele. One such building comes with custom-made furniture, a weekly cleaning service, and an app-based “butler” that can arrange dry cleaning and grocery pick up services.
Such high-end developments may lay the ground work for affordable micro-apartment projects by alleviating the stigma associated with tiny living units, some housing experts point out. Some New Yorkers associate micro-apartments with the cramped tenements of the past. But successful luxury projects could provide proof-of-concept for affordable micro-apartments, boosters say.
Critics point out that that a 300 sf unit may be fine for single people, but many of those in need of affordable housing are families that need more space. New York’s City Council is considering a measure to allow micro-apartments to be constructed within affordable housing complexes with conventionally sized units.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2021
Building-integrated solar power turns buildings into power plants
Multiple alternatives could replace or complement rack-mounted PV arrays.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2021
Ten real estate groups sign on to New York State’s high-rise decarbonization challenge
Each signee commits to carbon neutrality in one or more high-rise buildings it owns.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2021
Dozens of companies, organizations call for Congress to double Energy Star funding
Despite broad support, program’s budget has steadily declined in recent years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2021
Alabama fire chiefs oppose proposal to change school building code oversight
Bill would move code compliance control from state to local boards.
Codes and Standards | Apr 21, 2021
After dry winter, California ramps up wildfire prevention efforts
State to spend half a billion dollars on projects including making buildings more fire resistant.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2021
U.S. electric grid is halfway to zero carbon
Other sectors including buildings lag power industry.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2021
Failed landmark preservation effort in Chicago provides lessons for planners
Gentrification fears heightened among Pilsen neighborhood residents doomed ambitious preservation plan.
Codes and Standards | Apr 14, 2021
New Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment standard debuts in 2021
Will affect 250,000 commercial real estate deals a year.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2021
British Columbia moves to accelerate mass timber construction
Province funds demonstration projects as part of economic recovery.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2021
WoodWorks and Think Wood release first Mass Timber Design Manual
Interactive collection of information on mass timber products, design best practices, taller wood construction and sustainability.