It’s been almost a year since the Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability (PLUS) Committee under the leadership of Councilmember Mike O’Brien outlawed microhousing in Seattle. I can still remember Councilmember Burgess chiding the audience that the legislation passed would have no effect on the production of microhousing, even as a letter was arriving from the Mayor threatening a veto because the legislation would, in fact, do just what Burgess willfully said it wouldn’t.

But there is one last example of microhousing under the old code coming online, the Yobi Apartments. Designed by architect and HALA Committee Member (HALA stands for Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda) David Neiman, the project is a stark reminder of how microhousing was improving in design and function all over the city. Neiman held an open house to highlight exactly what the City Council and bureaucrats were missing. Did any Councilmembers or candidates show up? Nope. I guess they were washing their hair.

But lots of other housing enthusiasts did. Here’s what City Builder Rob Harrison  and Charlie Cunniff said along fellow City Builder Laura Bernstein’s comprehensive photos. Maybe we still have a chance of bringing more housing like this online.

Open house at an excellent example of micro-housing by Neiman Taber Architects, at 12th and Marion. There definitely have been times in my life I would have loved to live in a building like this. Unfortunately this form of housing has effectively been legislated out of existence by the Mike O’Brien-led PLUS Committee backed by the rest of City Council. All of Council, and all Council candidates, were invited to the tour, but no one showed. I think if they could see this *good* example of micro-housing they would be more open to it.

Rob Harrison on Facebook

I think that David Nieman and his team did a great job for his clients and the neighborhood. There is obviously a demand, as Seattle U has taken out a Master Lease for the entire building in order to house students that want to move on from the dorms. It is a shame that this form will not be able to built now that the City Council has essentially legislated against it. I do not think these are for every neighborhood, and maybe that was part of the problem. There was fear from many in the neighborhoods that this form would come in and overwhelm the “single family character.” But, instead of thoughtfully legislating where these could be built, they have been essentially outlawed. There is a lot of demand for housing like this and more should be allowed to be built.

I have no naive belief that these are for everyone. No form of housing satisfies the entire market. But, these will work well for some, perhaps many, particularly in and adjacent to urban villages, etc. Are they “affordable?” At about $1100, including cable, wifi, utilities, etc and in a dense, walkable neighborhood where you do not need a car, I think that they are.
Also, it was interesting to meet the Ethiopian family developers who have cobbled together the funding to build this and many other projects around our town. They have the immigrant vision that more housing is needed for the people that are already here, are being born here and are moving here. They also have the drive to create housing, which is not for the timid as it can be a difficult process.

Charlie Cunniff on Facebook

Photos by Laura Bernstein on Facebook