Missing Middle Housing: Building Blocks for a Better Quality of Life

Modern city planning has a sleek façade—it aspires to be innovative, sustainable, efficient, beautiful and even inspiring. Yet beneath this aesthetic is a silently brewing public health crisis. Modern cities aren’t built for public well being. 

Imagine a city with vibrant streets, bursting with life, where parks and shops are a stroll away. For most Americans this vision is only a dream. It is crushed by the harsh reality of car dependence, unsafe streets, pollution and rising housing costs fueled by sprawl.

Many modern cities are created through Euclidean zoning which allows one kind of land use in each zone. This zoning strategy, born from discriminatory practices, stops neighborhoods from becoming walkable. If we want communities to thrive we must build cities that heal. This means building healthier and more inclusive communities that prioritize walkability, mixed-use spaces and accessible green havens. 

Today there is an increasing demand for walkable neighborhoods to accommodate shifting demographics as well as ethnically and culturally diverse populations. A key component of walkable neighborhoods is housing at a variety of price points. Unfortunately, such neighborhoods are relatively rare in the United States. This lack of diverse housing types that contributes to walkable neighborhoods is called the Missing Middle Housing. 

Why is MMH important? Because our daily lives are shaped by our communities and our communities are shaped by the people who live, work and play in them. Because of this significant impact on our daily lives the structure of our neighborhoods has a compelling impact on our overall well being. 

If we can easily access healthy food options, walkable streets, green spaces and community gathering places we can remain connected to our neighborhoods and the people we care about. Simply put, life is easier and healthier when amenities and public spaces are close by, walkable and well maintained. That’s where MMH can have a significant impact. 

What does MMH look like?

This type of housing represents a step between large apartment communities and single-family housing. This could include townhouses, duplexes, triplexes and courtyard clusters. While these homes may have multiple people living in the building, they are distinct from apartment-style multifamily living. 

In past decades, MMH homes were more popular. However, this approach to urban planning – the bridge between sprawl and density—is missing for a reason. In recent years, housing has faced a combination of hurdles including zoning laws that encourage cramped apartments, the Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) phenomenon and difficult financing. The result is isolated neighborhoods and skyrocketing costs.

In response to this trend, Daniel Parolek, a recognized architectural, design and urban planning expert, proposed a solution. He introduced and advanced the notion of MMH as a unique approach to urban planning which advocates for a mix of housing types that are affordable and located near shops, schools and other amenities. 

Where MMH is working

There are places where MMH communities are successful today and serve as examples for future development. In Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul both offer valuable insights for future urban development and housing diversity as several neighborhoods showcase MMH and walkable amenities. 

In Texas, housing prices are steeply increasing. This is creating an affordable housing crisis in the state and many city officials are looking toward MMH construction as a solution to the problem. In Austin, for example, building codes allow for up to three units to be built on a single-family home lot. Multifamily developments using the MMH model can serve to decrease the cost of land and building, spreading the burden across three tenants instead of just one.  

MMH benefits

MMH recognizes and integrates diverse housing types as a powerful catalyst for social, economic and health benefits. The goal is not only to imagine better cities but to ensure these cities become a reality. Here are six examples of the many benefits: 

• Economic prosperity: Diverse housing options in a neighborhood greatly influence its economic vitality. A diverse market attracts and retains a broader range of residents, businesses and customers. A study by Grand Valley State University Assistant Professor Chad Fredericks strongly links housing diversity to lower unemployment rates in mid-sized cities across the United States. 

• Increased walkability: By clustering housing with mixed-use spaces and commercial buildings, residents are encouraged to walk between amenities. With easier access to amenities and services, daily life becomes less reliant on personal vehicles.  

• Improved public health: Diverse housing options in a neighborhood have a positive impact on people’s health, partially because MMH neighborhoods are more likely to be walkable. Texas A&M University Researcher Dr. Zhu and colleagues revealed in a study that individuals residing in a walkable community in Austin, Texas, showed higher activity levels and fostered stronger relationships with their neighbors. 

• Stronger social connections: MMH options contribute to creating tightly knit, supportive and harmonious neighborhoods. A study by West Virginia University Professor Dr. Kevin M. Leyden emphasizes the importance of walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods in fostering connections. 

• Aging in place: By including a variety of housing options MMH also accommodates options suitable to various life stages. Residents may not need to relocate to a different community to accommodate their lifestyle even as their needs change. 

• Inclusive neighborhood: MMH is more accessible than other developments for a few reasons: The mixed styles of housing are more affordable to a wider group of people; The walkability of the neighborhood is likely to be more accessible; With the likelihood of stronger social connections, MMH residents are more likely to be familiar with one another and support the blending of various cultures.  

How to support MMH

The concept of MMH has the power to transform urban development. Together we can envision a future where cities prioritize diverse housing, signifying a commitment to inclusive and healthy communities. To support MMH, you can:

• Promote change by supporting zoning reforms that embrace housing diversity
• Advocate for financial incentives that encourage various housing options
• Engage in community education to counter misconceptions
• Support policies prioritizing diverse housing

Informed citizens can be powerful advocates for housing reform, specifically the resurgence of MMH. This advocacy can help pave the way for the inclusive development of spaces where everyone can live and thrive. 

Abdiwali Makadin is a public health professional and community organizer, including experience working with the Minnesota Department of Health. He is the co-founder of Nolosha, an organization designed to increase quality of life for the underserved East-African community in Minnesota.