Neal Peirce--than whom there is none more knowledgeable on the subject of cities--has a column today on efforts to bring back the custom of rooming houses, places where "boarders" could live in their own rooms, but with some common facilities. The costs of rented rooms were almost always lower than in apartments and the community life was sometimes better.
Usually the rooming house of old was a former large house; think "Bed and Breakfast" in scope, but with less involvement by the owners. Peirce, following the ideas of Mark Hinshaw, a Seattle planner, and David Smith of Recap Real Estate Advisers of Boston, see the modern rooming house as a housing solution especially for young people trying to make their way in tough economic times.
The old rooming house was also a home option for older adults living in a community for a relatively short period and not wanting to have to keep up more than a rented room. Usually, the old rooming house provided some space where lodgers could congregate--a living room--and perhaps share a Sunday dinner or even daily meals.
The rooming house was driven out of existence by changing demographics after World War II, when young people aspired to their own house, marriage and children, and could afford all of these. Retirement homes began to appear for older clientele.
But the economic pinch of earlier generations is now being experienced again by young people, as well as some who are older. Most people today, alas, probably would not like to endure the rules that are necessary forshared living quarters. Several friends sharing an apartment seems easier and freer.
However, the rooming house also went out of common existence because of building codes and other regulations. Fires in rooming houses were a staple of sensational news stories at one time. Strict fire codes and disability rules raised costs. Meanwhile, anti-discrimination statutes also closed down establishments that, for example, catered to single men.
There probably are more rooming houses than many people imagine, however, and other living arrangements--such as "shared housing" promoted by an agency on Vashon Island, Washington--are increasingly common. Again in Seattle, there are several faith-based rooming houses that cater to students. Two run by the Li family in the University District provide an evangelical Christian environment, including a popular Sunday night dinner where everyone helps. In Seattle's Pike Place Market, at least one historical single males-only rooming house that operated for decades was re-established under a special HUD grant thirty years ago.
Many more rooming houses of various sorts might be possible, offering affordability and convenience, if political leaders would establish policies to encourage them, starting with a review of local, state and national legal and regulatory barriers and a pathway to reduce them without sacrificing real safety and security interests.
Leave a comment