Knoxville Plans New Missing Middle Housing Project
Knoxville, Tennessee – Exciting developments are taking place in the Mechanicsville neighborhood as plans for new multi-unit housing are underway. This initiative is part of the City of Knoxville’s ‘Missing Middle Housing’ plan that was approved back in February. The aim of this plan is to encourage a variety of housing types—like duplexes and triplexes—that better fit the scale of the neighborhoods, and make it easier for people to find homes in their local areas.
Understanding Missing Middle Housing
The Missing Middle Housing plan changes the city’s zoning codes, allowing builders to create more options for housing in residential areas. This shift is intended to boost housing availability, while also promoting home ownership among residents. According to R. Bentley Marlow, a builder involved in the Mechanicsville project, the new zoning rules make it much simpler and quicker to get these types of housing projects approved.
Details of the Project
Marlow owns three single-family homes on Calloway Street in Mechanicsville, two of which have just been approved for rezoning to allow for the construction of 15 additional housing units. His plans include:
- The left home at 1214 Callaway St will be transformed into a duplex, with one one-bedroom unit in the back and a two-bedroom unit in the front.
- A second duplex will be built behind this, featuring two one-bedroom units.
- The middle home has already been rezoned and will also become a duplex with similar configurations of a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom unit.
- A multiplex will be built behind the middle house, adding seven more units to the total.
- The right home will remain a single-family residence, with a duplex behind it offering two one-bedroom units.
All told, this project will add a total of 15 new units to the area, helping achieve the goals set by the Missing Middle Housing initiative.
Community Impact
Marlow believes that this project is beneficial not only for potential tenants but also for the existing community. He explained that by renovating older homes and increasing the number of units available, they can help improve overall housing availability in Knoxville. This effort is crucial, as it could lead to lower rent prices by addressing the ongoing supply and demand imbalance.
The support from the neighborhood is strong, as residents who live nearby have expressed their approval for the project. Marlow emphasized that he has lived in Mechanicsville for 20 years, which gives him a unique perspective on how to develop the area responsibly.
Next Steps
The proposed changes need to pass through the city council before becoming a reality. Votes on the rezoning of the two outer houses are scheduled for September 3 and 17. Marlow optimism shines through as he reflects on the support he has received from his neighbors, stating, “I know what we need, and I’m not a developer trying to make a profit in someone else’s neighborhood. I want to improve my own community.”
Conclusion
The new housing plans in Mechanicsville are a part of Knoxville’s broader mission to make housing more accessible and varied. With a focus on community needs and the revitalization of older homes, the Missing Middle Housing initiative could represent a step forward in creating a more balanced and livable city.
