This proposal explores a new 8-unit vernacular building typology for the City of Chicago, made possible by the Connected Communities Ordinance. Designed for a standard 25’x125’ city lot, and zoned RM-5, the design includes eight one-bedroom units and up to two parking spaces (utilizing administrative adjustments), with variations including one-to-three stair cores, while meeting setback and open space requirements. Based on height and density requirements, the project can utilize either concrete block exterior wall construction with wood infill or all-wood construction with automatic sprinklers, offering flexibility for client priorities and material costs.
The design includes significant flexibility in the types and sizes of units it contains. For maximum density, eight 600 SF one-bedroom units are a baseline option. The top floor units can be combined into a larger penthouse unit with a roof deck, creating a 7-unit building, or units on the 3rd and 4th floors can be combined to create a 6-unit building with larger units.
Future code revisions, such as allowing for a single staircase, would increase optionality and add variability to this standard design. This design offers a replicable model for gentle density that is code-compliant, flexible, and responsive to the city’s existing vernacular character and current housing needs. Contact us to learn more or explore developing these plans with potential clients!
Project Information
Client: Chicago Cityscape
Size: 6,240 SF | Four stories | Up to 8 units
Team: Josh Mings
Links: Design Ideas for Standard 6-3 and 8-3 Multi-unit buildings, Exploration: How a “Standard 8-3” could be designed and built today
