Missing Middle Housing: A Solution to Toronto's Housing Crisis

This article explores how missing middle housing can effectively tackle Toronto's housing crisis by offering diverse and affordable living options. Discover how Portico Residential Corporation is at the forefront of this transformative movement, leading the way with innovative, medium-density, community-centric real estate developments.

ARCHITECTUREHOUSING CRISISREAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTMISSING MIDDLE

6/3/20242 min read

Introduction

Toronto, Canada's largest city, faces a severe housing crisis characterized by skyrocketing prices, limited availability, and a lack of diverse housing options. The "missing middle" housing concept offers a promising solution, bridging the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments. This approach focuses on developing mid-density housing types, such as multiplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings, which can provide more affordable and diverse housing options within existing urban areas.

Portico Residential missing middle housing typologies - Toronto real estate development

Understanding Missing Middle Housing

Missing middle housing refers to a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types that are compatible in scale with single-family homes and are typically found in walkable urban neighborhoods. These housing types were once common in cities across North America but have become increasingly rare due to zoning laws favoring either single-family homes or high-density high-rises. By reintroducing these human-scale housing forms, cities like Toronto can increase density without compromising neighborhood character.

The Need in Toronto

Toronto's housing market is under immense pressure, driven by population growth, urbanization, and limited land availability. Single-family homes have become prohibitively expensive for most residents, while high-rise living does not appeal to everyone, particularly families looking for more space and a sense of community. Missing middle housing can address these issues by providing a variety of affordable options that fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods, making better use of available land and infrastructure.

Portico Residential Corporation: Leading the Change

At the forefront of this paradigm shift is Portico Residential Corporation, a developer dedicated to innovative, sustainable, and community-focused housing solutions. Portico has recognized the potential of missing middle housing to transform Toronto’s real estate landscape. By focusing on medium-density projects, Portico is creating vibrant, livable communities that cater to diverse needs.

Key Projects and Initiatives

Portico's projects emphasize thoughtful design, sustainability, and integration with the surrounding environment. Our focus areas include:

(1) Affordability: By increasing the supply of housing in desirable urban areas, missing middle housing can help lower prices and provide more affordable options.

(2) Diversity: It accommodates various household sizes and income levels, promoting socio-economic diversity.

(3) Sustainability: Medium-density housing uses land and resources more efficiently than suburban sprawl or high-rise developments.

(4) Community: These housing types foster closer-knit communities, as they are often designed with shared spaces and communal amenities.

Conclusion

As Toronto continues to grapple with its housing crisis, missing middle housing presents a viable and sustainable solution. Portico Residential Corporation is leading this charge by developing innovative housing projects that not only address the need for affordability and diversity but also enhance the urban fabric of the city. By embracing this approach, Toronto can pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant future.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Garden & Laneway Suites: Secondary housing units located on the same property as a primary residence, providing additional living space and contributing to increased housing density and affordability.
Multiplexes - Duplexes, Triplexes and Fourplexes: These provide more living space than apartments with access to communal spaces while still being more affordable than single-family homes.
Stacked Townhouses: Offering a balance between private and communal spaces, townhouses cater to families and professionals alike.
Boutique Apartment Buildings: With fewer units per building, these offer a sense of community and belonging often missing in larger complexes.

Portico’s developments also focus on walkability, access to public transit, and the inclusion of green spaces, which enhance the quality of life for residents and promote sustainable urban living.