The idea of micro condominiums, condos that are under 500 sf in size, is not new in densely populated cities such as New York or Tokyo, where sub-500-sf homes are not created to be hip and trendy, but, instead, are created out of necessity.
And while a city like Houston, and its population of just under 2.2 million certainly doesn’t categorize it as small, it also doesn’t make it a very dense city, either, especially when you take into account it is spread across 599.6 square miles (making it the ninth largest U.S. city by land area, ahead of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago).
And yet, new home developer and builder Surge Homes has just announced its plans to deliver the first micro condos in Houston in 2017. The Hadley Building, part of the Parc at Midtown development, will include 14 micro condos among its total of 28 homes. The $21.6 million, 80-home community, Parc at Midtown, will mark the first Houston development with micro condos available for ownership.
All of the floor plans for Surge Homes’ micro condos will range from 414 sf to 498 sf. Although small, each condo will feature a closed master bedroom, space for entertaining in the living areas, and windows on the front and back exterior walls, providing a wealth of natural light.
While Houston may not be in need of micro condos, market research collected by Surge Homes of nearly 3,400 Houstonians gave some insight into the growing demand among Houston residents for these tiny homes. By being the first developer in Houston to offer micro condos, Surge Homes hopes to parlay its forward-thinking bet on these European-inspired floor plans into increased sales.
And they may already be seeing the payoff. The Parc at Midtown development, which features more traditionally sized homes, as well, has sold 55 percent of its homes in 120 days, making it the third fastest-selling residential subdivision in Houston for the first quarter of 2016, according to Meyers Research LLC.
A typical Hadley Building condominium kitchen featuring optional integrated refrigerator. Image: PRNewsFoto/Surge Homes
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2017
Apartment market index: Business conditions soften, but still solid
Despite some softness at the high end of the apartment market, demand for apartments will continue to be substantial for years to come, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2017
Game rooms and game simulators popular amenities in multifamily developments
The number of developments providing space for physical therapy was somewhat surprising, according to a new survey.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 25, 2017
Co-living arrives in Queens: Common adds two new co-living homes
Common adds a new coliving home in Brooklyn and its first offering in Queens with Common Lincoln and Common Cornelia.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 19, 2017
Student housing trends: The transformation of co-living in college
The Student Hotel is representative of a new model for delivering housing solutions for students globally.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 19, 2017
KTGY-designed Elan Menlo Park nears completion
The 146-unit apartment community was designed as a series of six interactively connected garden-style apartments.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 12, 2017
Midyear Rent Report: 26 states saw rental price increases in first half of 2017
The most notable rental increases are in growing markets in the South and Southwest: New Orleans, Glendale, Ariz., Houston, Reno, N.V., and Atlanta.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 12, 2017
7 noteworthy multifamily projects: posh amenities, healthy living, plugged-in lifestyle
Zen meditation gardens, bocce courts, saltwater pools, and free drinks highlight the niceties at these new multifamily developments.
Mixed-Use | Jul 7, 2017
ZHA’s Mandarin Oriental hotel and residences employs ‘stacked vases’ design approach
The mixed-use tower will rise 185 meters and be located in Melbourne's Central Business District.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 28, 2017
Renters don’t just want nice apartments; they want communities packed with amenities
Based on a survey from the National Apartment Association, the most popular amenities are the ones that bring the community together.