UrbanizeAtlNewsBot

UrbanizeAtlNewsBot

Kirkwood property called prime example of ‘missing middle’ housing Josh Green Tue, 11/19/2024 - 08:22 Since the City of Atlanta made them legal in 2018, almost 350 accessory dwelling units—or ADUs for short—have been permitted within city limits, offering space-conscious living options in what typically were backyards before.

One of them has been on the market on a Kirkwood corner for a few weeks, summoning buyers with a unique juxtaposition of old and new, modern and classic, as with other ADUs that have cropped up across the city. That’s not to say they’re always an easy sell.

“One of the challenges we’re facing is lack of comparable sales and lack of knowledge about ADUs and what all they can be used for,” says David Holcombe, the Keller Knapp Realty listing agent for the 120 Howard St. property in Kirkwood. “It’s a newish housing type in Atlanta… and we were excited to be able to restore the historic home and add missing middle housing in the form of an ADU in the backyard.”

As Holcombe points out, in the City of Atlanta ADUs can built up to 750 square feet, which is sufficient for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom floorplan. He’s noted examples of them renting for up to $3,000 per month as unfurnished rentals—or as much as $10,000 monthly fully furnished, Holcombe says.

The Kirkwood property comes as a twofer on Howard Street, spanning about 1/3 of an acre a block south of the neighborhood’s commercial village.

The main home fronting Howard Street, just south of Kirkwood’s commercial village. Photo by Dominique White; courtesy of Keller Knapp Realty

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom ADU added in the former backyard at 120 Howard St. Photo by Katie Healy; courtesy of Keller Knapp Realty

Up front is a circa-1910, three-bedroom, quintessentially ATL bungalow that was recently renovated, with perks that include 10-foot ceilings and original hardwoods. It comes furnished (a rarity for intown listings), or the furniture can be purged if preferred.

In the back is the surprise—not a mullet but a contemporary-style ADU built to the maximum size the city allows by Meg Rowlett of Park Atlanta Homes, an ADU specialist. (The company’s ADU floorplans start at $127,900 for 352 square feet.)

Collectively, the two homes (Units A and B) count five bedrooms and four bathrooms in 2,335 square feet. The listing went live in late October and was discounted by $30,000 last week, now asking $1.12 million.

Period fireplace in the 120 Howard St. bungalow. Photo by Dominique White; courtesy of Keller Knapp Realty

The ADU’s airy interiors. Photo by Katie Healy; courtesy of Keller Knapp Realty

The dwellings share a 20-foot-wide driveway between them with enough parking for four cars, and according to Holcombe, the lot has enough space to add a third unit or tiny house on wheels.

Holcombe, who has three ADU projects in development elsewhere, says the housing type is well-suited for families seeking intergenerational living, buyers aiming to live in one unit and rent the other, or investors looking to rent both.

“It’s a really good example of gentle density,” says Holcombe of the Howard Street property. “We’re trying to push the envelope on the design and layout of the ADUs.”

Find a closer look at the combo Kirkwood offering in the gallery above.

The circa-1910 structure’s renovated interiors today. The property totals 2,335 square feet. Photo by Dominique White; courtesy of Keller Knapp Realty

Courtesy of Keller Knapp Realty

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Kirkwood property called prime example of 'missing middle' housing

Kirkwood property called prime example of 'missing middle' housing