The Importance of Missing Middle Housing

Cities worldwide are experiencing population growth, increasing housing demands and a need for walkable, sustainable neighbourhoods. Addressing these demands can be challenging, but Missing Middle Housing offers a promising solution. This concept, introduced by Daniel Parolek, includes multi-unit residences like duplexes, fourplexes and bungalow courts, which bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. Though seemingly different in appearance, each of these housing types shares the common goal of promoting affordable housing, community, walkability and neighbourhood diversity. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the importance of Missing Middle buildings and how they can help address the housing crisis while fostering vibrant, walkable communities.

What is Missing Middle Housing? 

The term “Missing Middle Housing” refers to moderate-density building types that fit seamlessly into existing residential areas. This includes duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and small courtyard buildings that encourage more walkable and sustainable lifestyles by placing homes near amenities and public transportation. Missing Middle Housing bridges the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments, offering more affordable options while maintaining the neighbourhood’s character. Here are some key characteristics that the Missing Middle building types share:

• Human-Scale Design: Usually 2 to 2.5 stories with 4 to 8 units, these low-rise homes fit seamlessly into areas typically dominated by single-family residences.
• Walkability: Designed to promote walkable communities near transit, shops and parks, which supports healthier lifestyles.
• Affordability: Smaller lots and higher density make these homes more affordable for a wider range of income levels.
• Diverse Housing Options: Suitable for a variety of residents, from first-time homebuyers to retirees looking to downsize.
• Compact Design: Missing Middle Housing has a small footprint similar in size to single-family homes, making them an excellent option for infill development.
• Lower perceived Density: Though these homes provide higher density, their design makes the area feel less crowded.
• Smaller, Well-designed units: The smaller, well-designed units featured in Middle Housing increase affordability, appealing to both buyers and long-term renters.
• Fewer off-street parking spaces: Located near transit and amenities, the missing middle typically requires fewer parking spaces.
• Simple construction: The simplicity of design makes these homes easier and cheaper to build, promoting affordability.
• Community Focus: Shared spaces and walkable neighbourhoods foster a sense of community.

Why the Missing Middle Has Been “Missing”: A Brief History 

The term “Missing Middle” is fitting because, since the mid-1940s, zoning laws in North America have made it increasingly difficult to build these housing types in residential neighbourhoods. Instead, these laws favoured single-family homes or high-density, high-rise developments. After World War ll, cities expanded outward instead of upward, supported by government initiatives for single-family homeownership and highway construction. Today, many urban zoning codes still prioritize single-family homes, limiting affordable housing options in both urban and suburban areas. However, as cities face housing shortages and environmental challenges, there’s renewed interest in Middle Housing as part of a solution.

The Benefits of Missing Middle Housing 

Affordability 

Housing affordability remains a major issue for many Canadians, especially for middle-income families, young professionals and first-time homebuyers. In the Niagara Region, homeowners are feeling this challenge intensely, with a projected need for 20,700 affordable housing units by 2045 due to significant population growth. Currently, 26,000 households in Niagara require affordable housing, and this number is only expected to rise. Middle Housing offers a solution by using land more efficiently and reducing costs, creating more inclusive housing markets. To effectively attract these housing types, cities and towns must prioritize diverse, affordable housing near jobs, schools and other amenities within walkable neighbourhoods. 

Walkability

Walkability is quickly becoming a key factor for many people when choosing where to live, according to the National Association of Realtors. Individuals of all ages prefer locations with easy access to stores, businesses and public transport. Missing Middle Housing meets this demand by being conveniently situated near parks, schools, shops and transit options. This design reduces car reliance and promotes healthier lifestyles. Enhanced walkability also increases property values and stimulates local economies as residents support nearby businesses, fostering a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.

Sustainability 

Missing Middle Housing promotes sustainable urban growth by encouraging higher-density living in areas that already have public infrastructure. This compact development minimizes the need to expand roads and utilities, which helps conserve land and resources. Additionally, walkable neighbourhoods with public transit options lower greenhouse gas emissions caused by motor vehicles, making Missing Middle Housing a vital part of climate-friendly urban planning. By integrating these homes into existing communities, cities can grow substantially while enhancing the quality of life for their residents. 

Efficient Use of Space 

Middle housing optimally uses land by fitting seamlessly into residential neighbourhoods while increasing density without disrupting the existing area’s character. These homes are designed to blend in with their surroundings and come in various types and sizes that complement traditional single-family homes. This human-scale design offers a more appealing alternative to large, impersonal apartment complexes, making Missing Middle Housing a great choice for communities looking to enhance their housing options while preserving their unique charm. 

Sense of Community 

Homeowners increasingly value living in diverse communities that include people at all stages of life. Aging populations, for example, want to stay close to family and friends without necessarily living together. Missing Middle Housing provides various building sizes that accommodate different life situations, making it easier for everyone to live in accessible communities with essential services and amenities nearby. This diversity enhances community connections and supports individuals regardless of where they are in their lives. 

A Closer Look at the “Missing” in Middle Housing

Zoning Challenges

One major reason Missing Middle Housing has been “missing” from cities is strict zoning regulations. These laws often favour single-family homes and create barriers to building middle-density developments. In fact, the Missing Middle Housing Initiative reports that over 70 percent of residential land in many American and Canadian cities is zoned exclusively for single-family homes. This limits the creation of multi-unit buildings, even in suitable areas. To revive Missing Middle Housing, zoning reforms are essential. Cities like Portland and Minneapolis are already making changes to allow for duplexes and triplexes in areas previously restricted to single-family homes. In Ontario, there are also efforts underway to explore zoning changes that support higher-density housing in residential neighbourhoods.

Market Demand

The demand for Missing Middle Housing is increasing as more people look for options beyond single-family homes and large apartment complexes. Young professionals and families are seeking affordable housing near urban areas but often find themselves priced out due to a lack of options. This type of housing appeals to a diverse range of residents, from millennials wanting affordable starter homes to families needing space for children, as well as retirees looking to downsize without relocating to far-off suburbs. By providing varied choices, Missing Middle Housing helps maintain a diverse population and prevents socioeconomic segregation.

Global Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Middle Housing

Many cities around the world have successfully implemented Missing Middle Housing as part of their urban planning efforts. For instance, Vancouver has embraced this approach to increase density while maintaining neighbourhood character. By permitting laneway houses and duplexes in low-density areas, the city has expanded housing options for its growing population. Similarly, in 2019, Minneapolis became the first major U.S. city to eliminate single-family zoning, allowing for duplexes and triplexes throughout the city. This bold decision has helped tackle the housing shortage and promote greater diversity in housing types.

Supporting Missing Middle Housing in Niagara 

A key principle in Ontario’s provincial and municipal planning is the need to offer a variety of housing types, tenures and densities to meet the current and future needs of residents. This idea is emphasized in several key documents, including the Provincial Policy Statement, the Provincial Growth Plan, and Niagara’s Consolidated Housing Master Plan. However, the Niagara Region and the province as a whole still lack a comprehensive range of housing options. To tackle the housing crisis, we must focus on Middle Housing. Recognizing its potential, the Ontario government has recently made changes through Bill 23 – the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. These changes aim to encourage gentle density in existing residential areas across the province, making it easier to build multi-unit housing, especially in areas well-served by public transit. By supporting the development of Missing Middle Housing, Ontario can offer more affordable options for middle-income residents, curb urban sprawl and foster walkable, sustainable communities. At Elevate Living, we embrace the principles of Missing Middle Housing, committing ourselves to creating diverse, sustainable and walkable neighbourhoods. Our focus on innovative multi-unit developments aims to bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments in the Niagara Region. After all, a home is more than just a place to live; it’s the foundation of a thriving community. By integrating Missing Middle Housing into our home-building projects, we work to ensure more individuals have access to affordable housing, making cities more resilient and inclusive for future generations.

Navigating The Path Forward 

As cities in North America confront housing shortages, the demand for diverse housing options is more urgent than ever. Missing Middle Housing presents a solution that balances affordability, walkability and sustainability, offering various types of homes to meet the needs of different homeowners. By creating affordable housing in neighbourhoods that promote sustainable living, this approach tackles many urban challenges we face today. At Elevate Living, we are proud to contribute to this movement by developing homes that reflect the principles of Middle Housing, ensuring our communities are vibrant and accessible for everyone, both now and in the future. Interested in learning more about our innovative housing solutions? Contact us today and explore the possibilities with Elevate Living!