Can townhomes plug Jax's housing 'missing middle'?

[thelakelander]

Two new projects in LaVilla and San Marco are creating something in short supply in Jacksonville: urban townhomes. Can they help Jacksonville's 'missing middle' housing problem?

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/can-townhomes-plug-jaxs-housing-missing-middle/

[jaxjaguar]

As long as they're not in the core. I feel like there are a few areas in Springfield that have condemned housing / empty lots where some cheaper townhomes would be ideal. Would help boost population close to the core without being as expensive as single family / renovating and maintaining a 1900's home.

[tufsu1]

As long as they're not in the core.

I disagree. Downtown needs diverse housing options. I happen to live in the one and only townhome development in downtown. Most cities have multiple options.

[thelakelander]

When done right, they can add more life and vibrancy to an urban street than many of the Texas style donut stick frame apartment buildings that have popped up recently. Parks is a good example.

[Zac T]

How profitable is it to build a townhome development downtown compared to a higher density residential building? With the high cost of land and the relatively low number of units that townhomes create, I can't imagine developers would make a lot of money building them market-rate downtown instead of surrounding neighborhoods

[thelakelander]

Depends on what we call DT. Townhome development makes a lot more sense in the Cathedral District, LaVilla, Brooklyn (I-95 side of Park Street), Rail Yard District, etc. than it would in the Northbank or Southbank.

[MusicMan]

The townhomes at Berkman Plaza (aka 'The Riverwalk Townhomes') have been selling at strong prices lately.   A customer of mine just sold his Berkman Townhome for $577,000.  I sold it to him in 2010 for $200,000. 

Townhomes on San Marco Blvd which back up to Lake Marco (1854 San Marco Blvd)  list at the $1,000,000+ mark, and have sold.  It sort of depends where you put them.

I believe it would be great along Main Street with parking in the rear.

[fsu813]

I believe it would be great along Main Street with parking in the rear.

More density is preferable on Main Street.

3/4 story apartments > 2 story townhomes.