- Brownstones are classics & definitely have an appeal. I think strategically looking at them is actually a niche in itself that I had not thought of until this article.
- I remember seeing them in Hoboken - and they definitely carry that historical aura. Also, you can’t fake the tradition and old school vibes of it as easy as it may seem.
- HOAs are so painful. I’ve noticed many brownstones having HOAs though, but I guess not everywhere.
- I know you called out the “Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance” and I think that’s LA’s name for it but I think many metros like Houston, Seattle have this. I’m not sure how quickly and easy the city planning dept makes these types of requests.
Questions
- When you do these projects, what’s your typical townhome quantity that you build on a plot?
- How do you scope out an area for townhome development? What signs do you like to see?
- Are there certain markets that you’ve seen the asymmetric upside of brownstones - compared to that markets condo/regular townhomes?
Number is driven many different factors. Size of lot, setback and height requires, FAR ratios, units permitted by zoning etc…
Townhomes are meant for urban infill meaning you’re typically redeveloping lots with existing structures and are already surrounded by utilized lots
There’s a ton that goes into site selection but favorable generals plans for region with good commercial zoning coupled with increase and migration and job growth are the basics to look for.
I’ll post more on cities to watch in terms of good spots for townhomes.
Awesome perspective —
- Brownstones are classics & definitely have an appeal. I think strategically looking at them is actually a niche in itself that I had not thought of until this article.
- I remember seeing them in Hoboken - and they definitely carry that historical aura. Also, you can’t fake the tradition and old school vibes of it as easy as it may seem.
- HOAs are so painful. I’ve noticed many brownstones having HOAs though, but I guess not everywhere.
- I know you called out the “Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance” and I think that’s LA’s name for it but I think many metros like Houston, Seattle have this. I’m not sure how quickly and easy the city planning dept makes these types of requests.
Questions
- When you do these projects, what’s your typical townhome quantity that you build on a plot?
- How do you scope out an area for townhome development? What signs do you like to see?
- Are there certain markets that you’ve seen the asymmetric upside of brownstones - compared to that markets condo/regular townhomes?
Number is driven many different factors. Size of lot, setback and height requires, FAR ratios, units permitted by zoning etc…
Townhomes are meant for urban infill meaning you’re typically redeveloping lots with existing structures and are already surrounded by utilized lots
There’s a ton that goes into site selection but favorable generals plans for region with good commercial zoning coupled with increase and migration and job growth are the basics to look for.