Michael Geller's
alternatives to single-family living
Was that a townhouse, a rowhome or terraced housing? YP NextHome
chats with Michael Geller, principal of Geller Properties and well-known
advocate for innovation in sustainability and affordable housing, about some of
the creative outcomes of this new housing dialogue.
YP NextHome: Many industry insiders say that townhomes
are the new single-family home. What are your thoughts on the viability of this
housing option? Will the townhouse or rowhome format continue to gain
popularity?
Michael Geller: Yes. In fact, in many areas like
Surrey or Richmond, the majority of new development is already either townhouse
or mid to highrise towers. Where it hasn’t happened is Vancouver or the North
Shore, primarily because they don’t have large tracts of undeveloped property.
YPNH: Townhomes, or rowhomes, have traditionally been sold
as strata units. Recently though, some developers like Portrait Homes and Vesta
Properties are building fee-simple rowhomes. What are some of the differences
between fee-simple and strata townhomes?
MG: One significant, and challenging, difference is the
fact each fee-simple home has to sit on its own lot. Another consideration is
that an apartment building or conventional strata townhouse development
requires only one municipal sewer and water connection for the entire project.
But if every home is individually owned, each ‘door’ requires its own
connection.
Also, if access roads are needed, it’s easy to make their
construction and ongoing maintenance part of the overall costs of strata
development. In the case of fee-simple, however, it might require a hybrid
arrangement. It’s similar to a strata but in a far more simplified form.
YPNH: But what happens if my neighbours decide they want
to change the look of their home? If there are no design regulations in place,
doesn’t that mean the entire neighbourhood could end up as a mismatched,
architectural hodgepodge?
MG: It could. But Amsterdam is an excellent example
of how taking a less heavy-handed approach to regulating architectural design
can create a rich and interesting streetscape. Each building is individual and
built right against the adjacent one.
YPNH: What new innovations would you like to see in the
townhouse marketplace?
MG: One day, I would like to build a checkerboard
development. Imagine regular townhouses, then shift each unit so they only touch
at the corners. There are other variations and modifications, but I think that
one would be fun.
Former Vancouver Editor of New Home Guide, New Condo Guide and Home Decor and Renovations, Diane Duflot is currently enjoying the life of a freelance writer and editor. She can be reached at diane.duflot@ypnexthome.ca
Photo from torontolife.com
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