A pilot project spearheaded by the Bloomberg administration to develop a new housing model for the City’s "growing small-household population," has attracted a big response from interested housing developers.
Dubbed adAPT NYC, a call for proposals to develop a "micro-apartment" test project on a city-owned site in Manhattan attracted applications from 33 interested developers, "from major luxury housing builders to those known for creating smaller, innovative projects," reports Laura Kusisto. She noted that, "city officials said they received roughly three times as many
applications as they usually do for a project of this size."
"The City's adAPT NYC competition has ignited a global interest and
conversation about how high-density urban centers can right-size their
housing stock to fit changing demographics," said Mathew Wambua,
commissioner of the housing preservation department.
According to Kusisto, "[s]ome developers said even if they don't win, they can apply some of
the ideas they formulated during the application process to other
projects. 'It's not just about this project....Irrespective of what
happens with this site, we can utilize it in other places,' [Matthew] Blesso
[of developer Blesso Propoerties] said."
FULL STORY: Big Run at Micro Concept
Are Small Apartments Hazardous to Your Health?
The growing trend in "micro" living seeks to fill a need for affordable housing in dense and desirable urban environments. But what are the downsides to living in such small spaces? Health experts are raising red flags.
Big Winner of Tiny Apartment Competition Unveiled
Today, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the winner of a competition to build a micro-apartment pilot project in Manhattan. Consisting of 55 micro-units measuring between 250 and 375 square feet, the project will utilize modular construction.
‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis
SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Pedestrian Deaths Drop, Remain Twice as High as in 2009
Fatalities declined by 4 percent in 2024, but the U.S. is still nowhere close to ‘Vision Zero.’
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie