18-07-2025
Properties Where Affordability Isn't The Sole Innovation
Shared Roof, an innovative residential community with an affordable component in Seattle's Phinney ... More Park enclave.
When it comes to affordable housing options, it's not uncommon to find they are, well, pretty common. In many cases, ensuring affordability for future residents can limit the extent of what architects and developers can create. As a result, many affordable properties turn out to be comparatively ordinary in appearance and amenities.
Happily, a number of newer residential developments are combining affordability with distinctive if not unique ideas for living. That means the fortunate renters and buyers are able to enjoy residences they can afford, and an array of extras to boot.
Consider Shared Roof, a trailblazing mixed-use multifamily development in the lively Phinney Ridge enclave in Seattle, Wash. The Johnston Architects (JA)-designed building focuses on helping apartment residents build bonds with one another. Price points encourage residents to continue enjoying city living near their workplaces and friends, rather than being forced to move to more attainable suburban residential areas that lack shopping, restaurant and nightlife venues within walking distance.
Apart from the comparatively economical rental rates, Shared Roof offers these additional novelties. Residents can acquire shares in the building, working toward long-term investments in the community. Interactions between residents are encouraged within a number of shared spaces, including a 4,500-square-foot greenspace, fitness room and rooftop area with a kitchen and greenhouse.
A program that allows residents to share resources ranging from gardening tools to bicycles helps reduce costs while spurring collaboration and bilateral assistance. Finally, ground-floor commercial square footage leased by a restaurant and tap room provide community gathering spots where residents and their guests can come together.
'Shared Roof is the result of a group of friends seeking a unique model for urban living,' says Ray Johnston, FAIA, JA founding partner. 'The idea would be to pool resources and build an apartment building that enhances community while making financial sense. The ten owners committed to long-term leases and invested in what became a 35-unit project in a vibrant Seattle neighborhood. The synergy of the design team and a very engaged client group resulted in the building with local restaurants, exercise spaces, interior courtyard and a rooftop greenhouse. The core community is now supplemented by market-rate renters and the initial investment is mitigated by the income from those renters. Shared Roof is a vibrant and active heart for the Phinney Ridge community.'
Adds David Fuchs, AIA, and JA principal: 'Shared Roof was intentional in its attempts to promote a diverse community, including in its choice of unit mix. The project includes owner-occupied flats, market-rate apartments and dedicated affordable housing units throughout its four residential floors. It also features a diverse mix of unit sizes, from studios all the way up to three-bedroom units -- which are basically unheard of in Seattle -- and even a four-bedroom townhouse.'
The Fly Flat
Located In Houston, Texas, The Fly Flat is the brain child of Prairie View A & M alumni and faculty, and delivers a model for underserved communities across the U.S.
Funded by Houston's Complete Communities Affordable Housing Program, The Fly Flat blends Phius climate-specific passive building standards with modular design and leading-edge energy modeling. The result: A resilient, sustainable property featuring a microgrid-capable layout reliable in extreme weather, adjacent to a four-unit grouping promoting community connectivity. The array of residences features two- and three-bedroom units, as well as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to generate passive income.
Mid-Town Square
Featuring a spectrum of apartments, 30% of which are designated affordable per city guidelines, Mid-Town Square in an historic Seattle hub also includes a cultural public square and retail spaces for local minority-owned businesses. The development incorporates eclectic objets d'art, curated commercial tenants and finally residences that Central District community input helped design.
