Multi Family Rental

To provide adequate rental housing the FHA also played a role in the approval of designs and creation of standards for large-scale rental housing communities, especially for defense workers and veterans. These rental units were usually two or three story multiple-family dwellings, sometimes intermingled with row houses or duplex units. Suburban locations with neighborhood amenities were preferred for FHA approval of multi-family dwellings, since they were viewed as contributing elements to stable real estate values. The FHA issued “Architectural Bulletins” suggesting economical and efficient designs for multiple family dwellings which also addressed issues like safety, fresh air, natural light, green space, and privacy. Large complexes were designed to serve as villages including pedestrian amenities and space for stores, offices and recreational centers. FHA approval gave access to federally backed mortgages, so builders were eager to meet government standards (National Register Bulletin "Historic Residential Suburbs"). Often described as "garden apartments" the Multi-Family Rental property type is a complex of two or more apartment buildings which contain multiple units within a multi-story structure. The building(s) are horizontally oriented and are clustered around a common area. The common area can be an open space, courtyard, parking lot, swimming pool facilities or other feature. These apartment buildings are typically constructed without architectural detailing; however, it will vary from region to region, and one may find it in a variety of styles or types. For further information in regards to apartment housing, please see Debbie Abele and Liz Wilson's "Scottsdale [AZ] Multifamily Housing Survey" (PDF). As one of the first cities to focus on surveying this type of resource, it is an excellent source for understanding the national trends of multifamily housing.

Identifiable Features

  • Walk-up or multi-story elevator buildings
  • Parking often located around the perimeter
  • Buildings arranged to "provide clustered areas of open space for walkways, lawns, trees, shrubbery and recreation"
  • Generally one to four stories
  • Often has sliding glass doors, balconies or terraces

Photos

Click any image to enlarge.

Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Lancaster County
Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Lancaster County

Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Montgomery County
Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Montgomery County

Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Montgomery County
Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Montgomery County

Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Montgomery County
Example of a Multi-Family Rental, Montgomery County