Affordable ADU Builder Hopes Co-Op Model Can Catch On

A worker-owned developer in Evanston uses sustainable materials to build efficient, affordable ADUs to help homeowners create generational wealth.

2 minute read

March 6, 2022, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


A cooperatively owned housing developer in Evanston, Illinois could provide a model for efficient, affordable construction, writes Ashira Morris in Next City. The Evanston Development Cooperative, which specializes in building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), was founded in 2018 when the city started revising its zoning code to permit 'granny flats.'

Before EDC’s founding, the city did the work of legalizing existing ADUs, which were technically illegal because of changes made to city zoning in the 1950s to prioritize single-family housing. In 2020, thanks in part to EDC’s advocacy, two additional key changes were made: allowing the construction of ADUs on any residential property and legalizing internal ADUs, such as an attic or basement conversion.

The update also widened the ADU rules to include duplexes, not just single-family homes. "Resolving that line item was an equity issue, [EDC co-founder Robinson] Markus says," noting that Evanston's duplexes are disproportionately located in communities of color. "'Only certain parts of the city were allowed to build intergenerational wealth and increase their property value through this mechanism,' [Markus] says, 'while other parts of the city were often being denied this opportunity.'"

To share their experience, EDC co-published a step-by-step ADU guidebook with the city. "The co-op is also working with the city on an affordable housing pilot project, with one two-bedroom unit intended for a small family currently under construction behind a duplex." In the future, EDC hopes to scale up their operation with the same worker-owned model.

Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

2 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

3 hours ago - Newsweek

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.