Comments on: Thanks for mini-apartments

By: JoshMahar

JoshMahar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:16:22 +0000

Totally Agree. I lived in a 150sqft room all through college in a large frat house. I do think its better though to have at least one larger kitchen and gathering room so people have a neutral area to hang out and meet others. It was great to have that private/public balance.

In fact, a few of my friends live in studio only buildings on the Hill and the atmosphere on each floor is so much more communal with people leaving their doors open and hanging out compared to my all 1-2 bedroom apartment building where none of us really know each other all too well.

By: colleen

colleen — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:25:20 +0000

whoops, I mean ‘live’ not leave!

By: colleen

colleen — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:24:34 +0000

I disagree that this is a bad idea for Seattle or any urban center. There is much more to consider than affordable housing, although that certainly is a consideration. Often times, older buildings in Seattle are not necessarily cheaper either. Much of the affordable older housing around the UW has been leveled and replaced with expensive housing. This is a perfect solution for up and coming professionals or people on limited income. Besides offering a viable solution in affordable housing, we all should be looking to limit the square footage in which we leave - this kind of housing will leave a much smaller carbon footprint. We are so spoiled in the US when it comes to perceived ‘need’ - Mcmansions and luxury apartments are going the way of the dinosaur, and need to, before we do!

By: Downtowner

Downtowner — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:07:50 +0000

Actually I think this is a terrible idea - something the city should pressure developers should avoid in the future. Younger people or those on a limited budget often live in older buildings if they need to save money. That’s how it should be. Smaller units - especially condos - often remain vacant, and are the first to be emptied during a downturn.

I’m normally pro-development, but there is no excuse for building these small units, especially in Seattle. (This is not a Manhattan rental or condo market!) No matter how you want to spin it, the primary motive here is greed by the developers.

By: Matt the Engineer

Matt the Engineer — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:49:51 +0000

I have an uncle that has lived in a ~150sf apartment in New York for over 30 years. His bed folds into a table, and he lives very simply. But he wouldn’t have it any other way. His cheap rent allows him to be a teacher and a mostly-unread author, yet live in a very walkable and enjoyable neighborhood. He’s in his 60’s and has never had a driver’s license.

Settle needs places like this. It keeps young people and those that value their life’s passion over money from being driven out to the suburbs. A vibrant city needs exactly this kind of resident.