Alair Buckhead and MicroLife Institute to Develop Cottage Court Projects in Metro-Atlanta Area
Alair Buckhead has teamed with MicroLife Institute to spearhead a series of innovative cottage court projects throughout the metro-Atlanta area. The partnership brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for quality craftsmanship to this collaboration. Their shared involvement in these upcoming developments marks an exciting shift towards sustainable housing solutions, driven by both environmental consciousness and the need for affordable housing.
The Cottage Court Concept: A Solution for Affordable Housing
Cottage courts represent a creative and sustainable answer to one of the most pressing issues facing communities across the United States—affordable housing. These projects offer smaller, well-crafted single-family homes built on smaller plots of land, providing an ideal solution for creating high-quality, affordable neighborhoods. With a focus on sustainability, these homes are designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining an inviting and practical living space for individuals and families and to deliver community by design.
MicroLife Institute, a key partner in this initiative, works with municipalities to rewrite zoning laws and facilitate the development of these cottage courts. The Institute’s commitment to changing zoning regulations is pivotal in bringing the cottage court concept to life, enabling the construction of compact, efficient communities where residents can live affordably without sacrificing quality or comfort. The team’s focus on transforming the housing landscape is rooted in a belief that sustainable design is not only possible but essential for the future of our cities.
Inaugural Project in DeKalb County
The first of these developments will break ground in DeKalb County, located just outside of the City of Decatur. This inaugural project promises to be a transformative moment for the area, as it introduces a new model of housing that prioritizes both affordability and sustainability. With Alair’s design-build-develop expertise and MicroLife’s deep understanding of zoning reform, this project will pave the way for future cottage court communities in the region.
“We’re incredibly excited about the potential of this partnership,” says Will Johnston, founder of MicroLife Institute. “By working with Alair, and the local community, we can demonstrate how cottage courts can provide a solution to the housing crisis while being environmentally responsible.”
Devin Vermeulen, Development Lead at MicroLife, echoes this sentiment, noting that these projects are an opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible in residential design. “The DeKalb County development is just the beginning. Our goal is to build a network of cottage court neighborhoods that can serve as a blueprint for other cities and counties across the country.”
“I’m thrilled to be part of this innovative project, which combines my passion for sustainable design with a real-world solution to the affordable housing crisis,” said Frank Wickstead, Partner at Alair Buckhead and Adjunct Professor at Georgia Tech. “By working alongside the talented team at MicroLife Institute, we are not just building homes; we are creating communities that are environmentally responsible and accessible.”
A Vision for the Future
As the team prepares for the groundbreaking of their first cottage court development, they are committed to sharing further details as the project progresses. This includes updates on the design, construction phases, and the impact it will have on the community. The collaboration between Wickstead, Alair Buckhead, and MicroLife Institute represents a shared vision of creating vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods that offer affordable housing solutions to a growing population.
Through their efforts, these partners aim to reshape the future of housing in metro-Atlanta and beyond, providing a scalable model for addressing the nation’s ongoing affordable housing crisis. As the demand for smart, sustainable, and accessible housing increases, cottage courts stand as a testament to the possibility of thoughtful design that prioritizes both community and environment.
Stay tuned for more details as this groundbreaking project moves forward!
Contact:
Lauren Wickstead
Alair Buckhead
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (404) 304-2884
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For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Frank Wickstead, please contact Lauren Wickstead at [email protected].