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Another approach might be considering the kind of layouts that used to be common in other cities (3-deckers, 5 deckers and duplexes, which sometimes included an additional in-law suite). These kinds of houses are flexible and function a bit like townhouses that have been cut into condos, but with yard space, which makes them more practical for families. Duplexes can be side-by-side or up and down. These all are flexible and sometimes people would build things like 4-plexes (two up & down duplexes attached to each other). One can own a part and rent the rest or people can buy as fee-simple units (rather than condos). This kind of housing fits multi-generational families well, as well as providing an income if one wants to rent out space. the latter day duplexes iI gre-up with in Cleveland were made to look like single family homes and easily complimented existing neighborhoods.

In Atlanta, "roommate" floor plans turn up as infill in gentrified areas. These essentially create 2 bedroom houses with good sized master bedrooms with bath. Sometimes these have been built as townhouses or in small groups of 2 or 3 that are attached to each other.

the point is--one can come up with any number of departures from the usual vernacular house in the DC area.

by Rich on Jul 5, 2012 1:55 pm • link • report