In an effort to better serve the local communities in Pinellas County, Forward Pinellas is pleased to provide the Knowledge Exchange Series. We are conducting research and providing technical assistance on topics that shape the way Pinellas County redevelops. Please visit forwardpinellas.org for future projects in the Knowledge Exchange Series.

The Tampa Bay housing market is currently underserved in providing affordable housing options for residents, and that trend is expected to grow. One solution may be to provide a greater variety of housing types that can accommodate more people without changing the character of existing neighborhoods. The term Missing Middle, developed in 2012 by architect Daniel Parolek, is used to describe this type of compact multi-unit, low-rise housing, which falls in between lower-density single-family neighborhoods and denser multifamily buildings, and is designed to encourage walking, biking, and transit use.

Missing Middle housing helps create urban, walkable communities with smaller residences located close to goods and services. It serves a broad audience: first-time home buyers, smaller families, couples, retirees looking to age in place, adults with disabilities, car-free households, and many others. Several local communities have identified Missing Middle housing as a viable option to provide a wider selection of housing choices across income levels because of its land cost savings and appeal to varied audiences.

Project Contact: Linda Fisher

Email: lfisher@forwardpinellas.org

Phone: 727.464.8220

For interested local governments, we have compiled a number of resources:

  • The Finding the Missing Middle fact sheet, containing a toolkit and review of case studies that can be used to assist in modifying local codes and development standards
  • A PowerPoint with a discussion of Missing Middle planning approaches and incentives
  • A video of local government staff and developers describing the planning and building of Missing Middle developments
  • A blog post with a summary of our study findings

Next steps will include working with our local government partners to help implement Missing Middle housing in the communities of Pinellas County.

APA Sun Coast “Missing Middle” Session on January 29, 2018

The American Planning Association – Florida – Sun Coast Section held a “Missing Middle” session on January 29, 2018 in Oldsmar, Fla. The following four presentations were given at the session prior to a walking tour of Hayes Park Village.

Blake Lyon presentation

Brett Burks presentation

John Bews presentation

Marie Dauphinais presentation

Joint FCCMA/APA Sun Coast Section/Forward Pinellas Housing Session on October 17, 2018

For National Community Planning Month, Forward Pinellas partnered with both the APA Florida Sun Coast Section and the Florida City and County Management Association to engage elected officials, senior local government leadership, community stakeholders, and the public regarding the “missing middle,” while expanding into discussions on affordability and legal issues.

Rob Gerdes Presentation

Blake Lyon Presentation

Derek Kilborn Presentation

Katie Cole Presentation

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