Uneasy Rhetoric

A while ago, I pointed out that “higher density” didn’t have to mean condo towers or lofts. It can also mean things like town homes, which give residents all the comforts of a detached home in a smaller space and, in the case of Washington Park Village, a prime location at 17th and D Street.

Granted, they’re still on the expensive side, but they’re closer than a condo in the Aura or a “loft” at 800J. They are also in a size range that I would consider appropriate to attract a market that is larger than empty-nesters, childless couples, and temporary residents. If you look at the developer’s other projects, this one represents some of their smallest units.

Furthermore, this kind of development maintains the pedestrian-oriented, neighborly feel that the greater Midtown area likes to think it has.

An article in Saturday’s Bee used this development to showcase Sacramento’s growing dedication to infill developments. According to the article, the City will have an infill development council, charged with finding additional development opportunities, and headed by Sotiris Kolokotronis (the 1800 L developer).

Statewide, developments such as Signature’s Washington Park Village could accommodate one-fourth of the new housing needed in California during the the next 20 years, according to the Housing and Community Development Department. Downtown Sacramento, especially, is seeing increasing numbers of land-efficient rental and condominium projects.

Still, Kolokotronis said, “the reality is over the last eight, nine or 10 years, the market in this region has delivered almost 150,000 to 170,000 residential units. But fewer than 500 units have been done downtown, which is nothing.”

Sacramento needs more thinking like this. I’m glad to see the city getting serious about it. Now about that affordability issue…