Alleyhoods: An affordable housing option for Spokane

Spokane's alleys are a key benefit of our city's extensive grid-pattern of roads and blocks.  When you think of the miles of roads in the city, consider that there is an equal number of miles of alleys.  Not only do they provide an area for trash pickup and utility infrastructure, but in some neighborhoods they work as informal pathways and shortcuts.  Knowing the person across the street is common, but so is knowing the person on the other side of the alley.  Most often regarded as a relic of old development patterns, alleys are something new developments around here do without.  Opting instead to use the land they consume for additional buildable lots.

We like to think of them as an untapped resource.  Some cities in North America are pushing the envelope and reclaiming their alleys for more productive uses, more specifically as places for living.  Bringing people and eyes to them makes them less likely to be used for unscrupulous activities.  Consider them alleyhoods.

With escalating housing prices, some in Washington DC are looking to alley housing and finding surprisingly affordable and desirable housing options.  In Toronto, they're considering allowing alley housing to increase ownership, improve safety, and  provide more housing for a rapidly growing population.  One person gets an affordable place to live, and the homeowner gets some help with their mortgage.

They key to understanding this is that not everyone wants an a condo with a view or the large lot on the fringe of the city.  What provides for more affordable housing is not only a supply, but also a variety of options.  Alley housing might be something that could work in a few neighborhoods in Spokane, and make for a more interesting urban environment.

Comments

[FinishTag]

where was this picture taken?

I think Savannah, GA has a great history of alleyhoods, though they have strong links to slavery.

[METROSPOKANE]

FT-
The photo was taken in Alexandria, VA, north of King Street a few blocks. The old town is a fantastically walkable area that has many areas like this to discover. Good tip on Savannah - Easily on the top 10 list of "Cities to Visit".

[jana]

Spokane has had alley housing in the past. My grandfather grew up on Waverly Place. Right behind his house was an "alley house" where an elderly couple lived. They gave him cookies and let him help work on the car. 10 years later, he married their granddaughter.

I'm pretty sure the house is still there.

[michaelfncrites]

There are some alley houses in west metro.