Portland’s zoning reform looks to boost the ‘missing middle’ of housing

The city council in Portland, Ore., recently approved the “Residential Infill Project” (RIP), a package of amendments to the city’s zoning code that legalizes up to four homes on nearly any residential lot and sharply limits building sizes.

Developers will now have the option to build as many as six homes on any lot if at least half of the resulting sixplex is available to low-income households at regulated, below-market prices. In addition, parking mandates that required builders to provide space for cars were eliminated on most of the city’s residentially zoned land.

The new regulations could generate an estimated 4,000 to 24,000 new units of housing and reduce displacement for vulnerable renters by 28%. Portland is one of the leaders among North American communities trying to boost new multi-unit residential projects.

Since 2018, Minneapolis, Seattle, Austin, and Vancouver, British Columbia have passed code reforms aimed at increasing housing stocks and reducing costs to developers and residents.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently sent a letter to officials in Lee County, Florida alleging that hundreds of homes were rebuilt in violation of the agency’s rules following Hurricane Ian. The letter provoked a sharp backlash as homeowners struggle to rebuild following the devastating 2022 storm that destroyed a large swath of the county.

The 108,000 sf La Playa Residence Hall, funded by the State of California’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, will consist of three five-story structures connected by bridges.

Student Housing | Apr 19, 2024

$115 million Cal State Long Beach student housing project will add 424 beds

A new $115 million project recently broke ground at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) that will add housing for 424 students at below-market rates. The 108,000 sf La Playa Residence Hall, funded by the State of California’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, will consist of three five-story structures connected by bridges.

5 Reasons to Opt for Wood I-Joists in Multifamily Construction

From versatility to reliability and adaptability, engineered wood I-joists offer builders, designers and developers numerous advantages in multifamily construction. Discover the top five benefits and handy installation tips.

A residential building in trendy classic blue color with cut out sky with white isolated background.

MFPRO+ News | Apr 18, 2024

Marquette Companies forms alliance with Orion Residential Advisors

Marquette Companies, a national leader in multifamily development, investment, and management, announces its strategic alliance with Deerfield, Ill.-based Orion Residential Advisors, an integrated multifamily investment and operating firm active in multiple markets nationwide.

MFPRO+ New Projects | Apr 16, 2024

Marvel-designed Gowanus Green will offer 955 affordable rental units in Brooklyn

The community consists of approximately 955 units of 100% affordable housing, 28,000 sf of neighborhood service retail and community space, a site for a new public school, and a new 1.5-acre public park.

Lap Pool at Solstice Living Apartments in Tucson, Ariz

MFPRO+ News | Apr 15, 2024

Two multifamily management firms merge together

MEB Management Services, a Phoenix-based multifamily management company, and Weller Management, a third-party property management and consulting company, officially merged to become Bryten Real Estate Partners—creating a nationally recognized management company.

Alameda Marina adaptive reuse project rendering

Mixed-Use | Apr 13, 2024

Former industrial marina gets adaptive reuse treatment

At its core, adaptive reuse is an active reimagining of the built environment in ways that serve the communities who use it. Successful adaptive reuse uncovers the latent potential in a place and uses it to meet people’s present needs.

MFPRO+ News | Apr 12, 2024

Legal cannabis has cities grappling with odor complaints

Relaxed pot laws have led to a backlash of complaints linked to the odor emitted from smoking and vaping. To date, 24 states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana and several others have made it available for medicinal use.