Sean G.’s Post

Seattle City Council recently passed new legislation making it easier for property owners to convert existing commercial buildings into residential. Our housing design director, Jennifer Sobieraj Sanin, AIA, shares her thoughts on the new legislation and the impact it might have on Seattle's housing market in the DJC. "To be successful, you need a solid base building in a location that makes sense for housing. And when I say housing, that could mean affordable housing, student housing or market-rate housing — each with its own unique considerations." #adaptivereuse #commercialconversions

Thanks to Scot Hein. "Political leaders simply need to roll up their sleeves and take the time to understand that there are better ways to achieve the shared goal of cities that work for everyone. This assumes our leaders care about what is truly important.  Hopefully better ideas will be habit forming." Scot is a retired architect, former senior urban designer and development planner at the City of Vancouver, adjunct professor of Urban Design at The University of British Columbia, lecturer at Simon Fraser University and British Columbia Institute of Technology, founding board member of Urbanarium and author of the book Zoning Must Evolve. #vanpoli https://lnkd.in/gfcVhF8Z

How do we achieve affordable housing, without destroying neighborhoods, out of context development? “Critics will say that our local affordability crises can be root-caused to Vancouver’s longstanding, hyper-capitalistic, approach to rewarding development proponents with density, height and other land use entitlements in exchange for better livability, neighbourliness and contextual response. There is truth to this criticism of what, at the time, was considered world leading best practice. Our highly discretionary zoning simply never went far enough to secure affordable housing in exchange for taller, denser buildings. Reaching back to the advent of this type of zoning, a unique system that awarded economic wealth in exchange for making cities and their neighbourhoods better, we can hopefully appreciate the proactive intention of “enjoying” the market in a way that served all interests, not just those of development proponents. And we became decently effective at administrating this win-win approach after a few decades of practice. The entire world was interested in how we would work more creatively with the development community in a way that secured public benefits for all to enjoy. We practiced, through our home-grown approach to regulation, how to share. And we were able to achieve an amenity rich city without overly rewarding speculators who contribute nothing to making our lives better. The development industry prospered while we strengthened the city by focussing on our distinctive neighbourhoods. Our shared “zoning wealth” was attributed to social, cultural and recreational needs. Housing was not out of reach, and somewhat aligned with local incomes. Property taxes were kept low and contributed to political stability. Senior levels of government were participating in non-market housing that, while always insufficient, at least augmented what the city could generate via the market. And urban design mattered too, with the market financially benefitting from best practices that made projects more saleable.”

Austin Development Update - August 2024   As summer progresses, Austin continues to heat up with some significant zoning and development code changes aimed at enhancing urban livability and sustainability. These transformative initiatives continue to demonstrate the City leadership's commitment to creating a more accessible, dynamic and inclusive cityscape. 🔹 South Central Waterfront Combining District: Plans to finalize zoning regulations in the South Central Waterfront District continue to progress, which once completed will be fundamental in establishing the area as a walkable, transit-oriented neighborhood rich with community benefits such as affordable housing and improved public infrastructure. After a postponement, this critical item will be reconsidered by the City Council on September 12, 2024.   🔹 Live Music and Creative Space Bonus: A new zoning initiative is underway to foster affordable creative spaces and preserve Austin’s vibrant live music and performance venues. This proposal will go before the Planning Commission on August 13, 2024, and is slated for City Council consideration on August 29, 2024.   🔹 Downtown Density Bonus Revisions: July saw the initiation of amendments to the Downtown Density Bonus Program. These City Council initiated revisions are aimed at removing caps on floor-to-area ratios and height, and integrating the Rainey Subdistrict to streamline and enhance the downtown vision. The amendments include the creation of specialized subdistricts to prioritize affordable housing, cultural preservation, and transit-oriented developments.   🔹 DB90 Revisions: The Density Bonus 90 (DB90) combining district is set for some meaningful revisions to better align some of the regulatory framework details with the stated intent and community needs to encourage more sustainable urban growth. After unanimous recommendation by the Planning Commission, these revisions are scheduled for City Council consideration on August 29, 2024. 🔹 Planned Development Agreement (PDA) Bonus: Also initiated in July, the new PDA Bonus program is designed to allow increased building height in PDA zoning districts, facilitating residential uses in exchange for affordable housing contributions. Remember, many of these initiatives are in their early stages of development and as these proposals move forward, your feedback and engagement remain crucial in shaping the development landscape of our city! #Austin #LandDevelopment #Texas #CivilEngineering #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities #AffordableHousing #TransitOrientedDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #Zoning #DensityBonus #CulturalPreservation

Check out the latest Austin Development Updates below and let us know how we can help answer any of your development questions!

After speaking at the Missing Middle Summit on May 23 and listening the other speakers run through all the phases of the development process for infill housing I was struck by 4 avoidable pain points in the development process. @BlueLionBuilding we do so many of these things in house so listening to so many thoughtful experts discuss their niches of the development process helped awaken me from my dogmatic slumber. Four major things that make sense when you're doing them, but seem wrong with a little perspective: 2 of 4 - Disconnect between what zoning bylaws allow and what missing middle housing can/should be: I'm thrilled to see City Council vote 23-1 in favour of the Major Streets branch of the EHON initiatives and adding an amendment to increase the cap from 30 to 60 units. Thrilled. I'm thrilled to see celebrated Toronto architects undertake research projects to contemplate what 6 storey multiplexes could look like in the middle of neighbourhoods.  I’m thrilled to attend conferences of thoughtful professional contemplating this whole development model. But as far as creating missing middle housing is concerned I think these victories remain more symbolic than effective as a city building tool. The overwhelming majority of everyday lots in this city cannot support a project of that scale without additional minor variances. Maybe those variances are reasonable and awarded with minimal delay or conflict, but like the other EHON initiatives before it, this is not a declaration that Toronto's streets are open to the creation of housing.  I think that only comes with the further opening of zoning bylaws to allow a broad range of housing types to be built without minor variances on most lots, or a radical reconfiguration of the minor variance process to replace the public hearing components with the review and approval of City staff.  Anything less than that is to entrap ‘minor’ variances in a process befitting major zoning changes.

🚀 From Blight to Bright: Success Stories of Birmingham Property Transformations ✨ Birmingham, once synonymous with industrial decline and urban blight, is amidst an inspiring renaissance. As professionals dedicated to urban development, the success stories of Birmingham's property transformations offer invaluable lessons in resilience, innovation, and community engagement. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 1. **Strategic Vision and Planning**: Successful revitalizations commence with a forward-looking master plan. Birmingham exemplifies how a collaborative vision, combining public and private efforts, can pave the way for sustainable growth. 2. **Adaptive Reuse Projects**: Iconic success stories like the transformation of the old Sloss Furnaces into a vibrant arts and music venue underscore the power of adaptive reuse. Repurposing old structures not only preserves historical integrity but also breathes new life into neighborhoods. 3. **Community-Centric Approach**: Engagement with local communities is crucial. Birmingham's initiatives show comprehensive inclusion - where residents' input and cultural heritage shape the developmental blueprint, fostering authenticity and belonging. 4. **Sustainable Practices**: Eco-friendly property transformations are a hallmark of Birmingham's resurgence. From green rooftops to energy-efficient building standards, these projects highlight the importance of sustainability in modern urban renewal. 5. **Economic Impact**: Renewed properties have catalyzed local economies, creating jobs and boosting small businesses. Birmingham’s Parkside District transformation showcases a thriving mixed-use community that has become an economic hub. 👥 Professional Insight: For urban developers, architects, and policymakers, Birmingham's evolving landscape illuminates the critical elements that drive successful property transformations. The city's journey underscores the importance of strategic adaptation, community involvement, and sustainable practices to reinvent urban spaces into thriving districts. As we navigate our own urban development ventures, let Birmingham's example inspire us to turn blighted areas into bright, bustling hubs of activity and culture. #UrbanDevelopment #PropertyTransformation #SustainableBuilding #CommunityEngagement #AdaptiveReuse #EconomicRevitalization #UrbanPlanning #BirminghamSuccessStories --- Feel free to connect and share your own insights or experiences in property transformation. Let's drive meaningful change in our urban landscapes! 🌆seriousserious

Plano, Texas, is leading the way in innovative redevelopment projects to manage its rapid growth and evolving economic landscape. The city, which has seen its population increase from 260,000 in 2012 to nearly 292,000 in 2023, is focusing on transforming vacant spaces into vibrant mixed-use areas. Projects like the revitalization of Collin Creek Mall and Assembly Park are key examples of public-private partnerships that aim to create modern, dynamic spaces for residents and businesses. Plano has also launched an office modernization grant program to incentivize property owners to update their facilities, ensuring the city remains attractive to businesses. These initiatives reflect Plano's commitment to growth and redevelopment while preserving its unique identity. Cred: https://lnkd.in/du-Fep6D https://lnkd.in/dgRp6BbN #development #dfw #new #collincreek #innovative

British Columbia is entering a new era with transformative zoning laws. 🏘️ The rise of multiplexes: Single-family lots can now transform into multiplexes, blending duplexes, suites, and even townhomes. More homes in the same space! 💼 Ownership & Rental Opportunities: New zoning laws mean a mix of ownership and rental options, including affordable housing contributions from builders. 📐 Design & Space Innovations: With increased floor space ratio (FSR), we're pushing the boundaries on building area per lot, ensuring our neighbourhoods are not just denser, but beautifully designed. 🚗 Reimagined Parking: Progressive steps toward evolving urban transport with no off-street parking mandate for new multiplexes. 🏠 Government Support: BC Housing Minister's legislation aims for 130,000 new homes over the next decade, fostering small-scale, multi-unit housing. RDC Fine Homes is excited to navigate this shift, employing sustainable building techniques and eco-friendly designs to meet the changing needs of our communities. Read our blog post to learn more: https://ow.ly/b7W550QK029 #RDCFineHomes #BCZoningRevolution #EcoFriendlyBuilding #CommunityDevelopment #Construction #CustomHomeBuilder

Roberta Brandes Gratz on what's ailing New York: "Developers are in control more than ever before. They’re in control of the argument, in control of City Hall, in control of the Governor’s Mansion. And with current state housing legislation ostensibly meant to address the need for more housing, New York City can now expect even more of the new skyline emerging, with high-end, supertall pencil towers everywhere. Officials will ignore the currently occupied modest-scale buildings that will be torn down in the process. They will tell us what is new but not what is lost. The city will continue to gain more upscale units and lose more affordable ones." https://lnkd.in/e7id4m2A