Near-Northwest-Neighborhood-Plan-Final-Strategic-Plan-2019

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35 Neighborhood Infill Not uncommon across the country, as the post-war housing market shifted away from urban neigh- borhoods, the condition of housing in these areas declined. The comparatively low value of housing in South Bend reinforced the decline by discouraging investment in the housing stock. Through the years, many houses were demolished in the Near Northwest but some of these vacant lots provide an opportunity for development. The City engaged with Zimmerman/Volk Associates, Inc. in 2018 to complete an Analysis of Residential Market Potential of three different geographies. The study examined the potential market for new and renovated housing based on the housing preferences and socio-economic characteristics of households in the relevant draw areas. One of the study areas includes a portion of the Near Northwest Neighbor- hood, Census Tract 6, as well as two additional Cen- sus Tracts. For this study area it was determined that “between 56 and 70 new mixed-income rental and for-sale dwelling units could be developed and ab- sorbed within Study Area A each year over the next five years.” The study provided a breakdown of the housing types and price ranges that would meet the needs of the market potential. This information was used during the charrette process when examining infill opportunities. When developing any new construction in the Near Northwest the buildings should reflect the charac- ter of the neighborhood. In addition, new housing should include a range of types – from single family and accessory dwelling units, to multiplexes, rentals and mixed-use buildings. Housing should also provide a range of price points to keep it a diverse, mixed-in- come neighborhood. Any larger buildings should be designed with consideration for human scale and to fit into the existing urban context. A variety of building types were explored throughout the charrette process. The buildings provide a variety of housing options and can fit into the existing neigh- borhood fabric. Single Family A single-family house provides one unit on a parcel. Duplex A duplex provides two housing units on one parcel. Units can be stacked or side-by-side, and units can have individual entrances or share one entrance. There are many originally built duplexes that seam- lessly exist within the neighborhood. Fourplex A fourplex provides four housing units on one parcel. Units can be configured in a variety of ways to fit into a single building and on the property. Depending on the layout of the units, they can share and/or have individual entrances.