MICRO UNITS HEADING TO HUB
A new pilot program will allow housing developers to build smaller, cheaper micro units in Boston, a move city officials say will improve housing options and affordability.
“We’re able to do additional units in smaller parcels. We’re able to house a population that’s not requiring a lot of space,” said Sheila Dillon, director of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development. “We have developers that are very interested in developing out in neighborhoods; it’s making those deals more feasible.”
Under the pilot, citymandated square footage minimums will be lifted, allowing developers to build so-called micro units. The city expects to see studios under 450 square feet, onebedroom apartments under 625 square feet and twobedroom apartments under 850 square feet.
“Compact living is small, efficiently designed units with shared common areas,” said Marcy Ostberg, director of the city’s Housing Innovation Lab. “This is not a new concept in general; this is happening all over the country and the world.”
City officials said there is existing demand from developers and this new policy will make it easier to build. Ostberg said some developers with projects that would fall under the policy have been waiting for it to be approved.
Peter Sougarides, executive vice president of developer Samuels and Associates, said micro units are one of several new options for builders.
“Anything that supports diversity of housing stock and increases supply is certainly a positive,” Sougarides said. “In particular, we are finding that residents are using both building common spaces and gathering places throughout the city — parks, popups, cafes — as extensions of their apartments, therefore are not looking for as much square footage as in the past.”
Samuels already has a partnership with Ori Systems, a robotic furniture company that makes a high-tech Murphy bed that can fit under storage and an entertainment center at the touch of a button.
Jonathan Greeley, the Boston Planning and Development Agency’s director of development review, said the new policy will make it easier for the city to adapt to new housing trends while making sure it is done in a way the city approves of.
“This is both us being responsive to some things we’re seeing in the market but trying to get ahead of it, too,” Greeley said. “We want to make sure if that’s going to happen, it comes with a suite of amenities that maintains quality of life.”
The policy requires projects with micro units to include adequate access to vital functions including a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping space. Projects must also include significant common space for residents. The approval process of these projects will also include a review of the interior layout, a step that is not required for other projects.