WPA and Ray Gindroz were asked to develop a set of design principles to facilitate high-quality multifamily development. To do so, we reflected on what it means to live in a “good neighborhood,” why America strayed from this tradition, and how we can return to thoughtful neighborhood design.
When asked to describe the qualities they cherish most in their neighborhoods, people often recall childhood memories. They felt safe walking past front porches, knowing neighbors would see them and offer help if needed. They behaved well because they knew word would get back to their parents if they didn’t. It was easy for a child to learn how to navigate the city — first playing on the sidewalk, then walking around the block. Contact between neighbors on pedestrian-friendly streets fostered a strong sense of community and mutual support. Shops, restaurants, schools, playgrounds, churches, and libraries were all within walking distance.
These neighborhoods also provided a mix of housing types and price points, allowing people to transition through different stages of life: starting in a small apartment, moving to a larger one, then a row house, a larger home, and eventually back to an apartment or condo as empty nesters. This diversity contributed to long-term neighborhood stability and sustainability.
The Erosion of Traditional Neighborhoods
Traditional American neighborhoods were badly eroded in the 20th century due to:
- Suburban expansion and sprawl.
- Total reliance on automobiles, which reduced public transit options and increased high-volume traffic, degrading urban quality of life.
- Mass-produced building methods, which prioritized standardized “products and projects” over individualized homes and communities.
- Zoning and development practices that segregated housing by type, eliminating the diversity essential to stable neighborhoods. Many zoning policies were also designed to perpetuate racial segregation despite national legislation promoting integration.
- Large concentrations of low-income families in distressed neighborhoods, isolating them from economic opportunities.
This degraded urban landscape has been a root cause of social inequity, contributing to crime and economic decline.
The Growing Need for Multifamily Housing
Cultural and demographic shifts are predicted to decrease demand for single-family homeownership while dramatically increasing the need for multifamily rental housing. At the same time, the country faces a severe shortage of affordable housing.
To address this demand, subsidy programs like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) have made it financially feasible to develop new low- and moderate-income housing. However, financial constraints have led many developers to rely on a single building type — garden apartments — which often stand apart from neighborhoods and become associated with low-income housing. Existing communities, concerned about quality of life and safety, frequently associate these developments with crime and social problems.
The goal of these design principles is to re-establish the American tradition of diverse neighborhoods and create a full range of housing opportunities for all. The guidelines suggest ways to:
- Strengthen neighborhoods through the integration of multifamily homes rather than isolated projects.
- Encourage a diverse mix of housing types that blend seamlessly into communities.
- Promote neighborhood-scale development that supports long-term stability and inclusivity.
By embracing these principles, new multifamily developments can become true neighborhoods—not just housing projects.
