1. Combine Housing with Another Beneficial Program
The ground floor of a building often has great potential to serve the public. Evergreen Real Estate Group's Northtown Apartments and Library project in Chicago is a successful example of this. The project consists of 44 affordable senior housing units located above a two-story public library. Stephen Messinger, co-author of the toolkit, praises this approach: “It’s a brilliant idea and everyone should do it.”
It is scientifically proven that people live longer and healthier lives when they interact with others. Such mixed-use projects reduce loneliness and strengthen psychological well-being by increasing the social connections of elderly individuals.
2. Design the Most Energy-Efficient Building Possible
One of the most effective ways to reduce housing costs is to lower energy expenses. Energy efficiency not only reduces bills but also creates quieter, healthier, and more comfortable interior spaces. Messinger states, "COVID showed that people living on the margins are much more vulnerable to health or financial shocks." Lower energy costs, combined with thermal comfort, provide sustainable benefits both economically and in terms of quality of life.
3. Make Space for Spontaneous Connections
Reducing space can lower costs in the short term, but it weakens community ties in the long run. Well-designed flexible spaces allow residents to connect while maintaining safe social distances. Areas such as open kitchens, wide corridors, or large laundry rooms can be considered for social interaction. At the Northtown Apartments and Library, residents meet in common areas for coffee in the winter; when the weather is nice, they socialize on the community terrace.
4. Strengthen Community Connections
Affordable housing is part of a broader ecosystem that supports people's development. Every project should integrate with its community and contribute to the existing infrastructure. For example, the presence of a bike lane or a rainwater harvesting system in the vicinity supports sustainable living. Messinger emphasizes at this point: "When you build something that will last 50 to 100 years, there is an opportunity for future development and value creation."