Pocket neighborhoods cluster houses and apartments around a shared open space, typically a courtyard. This space fosters relationships between neighbors, broadening the community beyond familial relationships. This open courtyard layout awaits a design that will suit the new residents’ tastes and needs–, whether a play area, community garden, sports area, lounge space, or outdoor seating area.
Four housing types are provided: Young Family and First Time Homebuyer housing provide room to grow, while The Elder is designed for downsizing. The Triplex, facing N 6th St, could house up to six households.
Community, security, and density define this Northside pocket neighborhood. Front doors face the shared community spaces, thereby fostering the community through relationships. Security is fostered physically by having shared communal spaces looked after jointly by the neighbors, not just one household. Financial security is generated by affordability with small building footprints, shared land holdings in communal land trusts, and more units (increased density). The adjacent Food Co-op provides healthy food within reach of residents’ budgets. The project addresses the aims of the Minneapolis 2040 plan for increased density with high quality, affordable residential units in a secure, socially connected neighborhood setting, a lasting, effective solution.

Young Family Floor Plan

First Time Home Buyer

Triplex Housing

Young Family Housing

Shared Community Space

Elder Housing

Neighboring Co-op