Page 94 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

Missing Middle Housing

The term "Missing Middle Housing" refers to residential building types that offer multiple
units and are designed to be compatible in scale with single-unit buildings in the
neighborhood. As shown in the graphic below, Missing Middle Housing covers a range
of building types that contribute to creating neighborhoods with a range of housing
options and more walkable, human-scaled environments.

Figure 3. Missing Middle Housing Diagram (Source: Missing Middle Housing. Opticos. https://missingmiddlehousing.com/)

In addition to creating a visually appealing scale throughout a neighborhood, Missing
Middle Housing also provides affordable housing choices. In older neighborhoods and
those that are designated as historic or are potentially historic, these housing options
may come in a variety of forms. Some building types, such as Figures 4 and 5 below,
often consist of duplexes already built to the scale of the neighborhood, and single-
family buildings that have been divided into multiple units. Infill development of two or
more units can also provide additional housing in these neighborhoods, so long as it is
designed to a scale that is compatible with the neighborhood.

Figures 4 and 5. Missing Middle Housing examples - a duplex in Pittsburgh, PA and an originally single-family building in Des
Moines, IA that is or could be divided into multiple units (Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative)

88 DES MOINES Citywide Historic Preservation Plan