Home And Work

Home and Workcommercial uses in residential spaces

and why they’re important

The point of cities is multiplicity of choice. Jane Jacobs

Notice in this 1811 ad that J. Cook is operating from the home of Mr. Spencer.

In many residential areas today, you can’t hang your shingle. It simply isn’t allowed.

Even some spaces built for retail can’t be used that way anymore.

You can live in a store, but can’t have a store in your home.

Yet some of the most interesting retail districts and best urban neighborhoods mix stores and homes, blending those functions in buildings.

This one is in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Retail hasn’t hurt the housing values here, the median

sales price is $1,162,500 (Feb ’09).

This one is in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, one of the state’s most desirable small towns.

Here is Frederick, Maryland.

… and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

This attractive home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio is also a

gift shop.

Businesses in buildings built as homes are common in

Manhattan neighborhoods like Greenwich Village.

This home/store is in New Hope,

Pennsylvania.

The Olde Pink House Restaurant operates

out of one of Savannah’s old

homes.

Even Celebration, Florida brings commerce to new buildings that look like they were built as homes.

Many historic buildings fall into disrepair and are demolished. A commercial use might have

saved them.

If car ownership is mandatory, [the place is] not urban. Donald Baxter

Not allowing retail uses in residential areas and buildings forces residents to have a car

and drive to the suburbs (or risk life and limb waiting for a bus).

What gets us into trouble isn't what we don't know; its what we know for sure that just ain't so. Yogi

Berra

In 1920, no major U.S. city had a zoning ordinance, which keeps businesses out of

homes.

Zoning is not a cure for the disease, it is the disease. James Kunstler

What Can Be Done?

Eliminate zoning. Underperforming urban neighborhoods will only come

back to life when zoning codes are rewritten or eliminated.

Being able to hang your shingle on your home as an

artist, lawyer or dentist, is an idea as old as the city itself.

Being able to hang your shingle on your home as an

artist, lawyer or dentist, is an idea as old as the city itself.

The best places to live enable an organic mix of homes and businesses.

Many not-so-good ones prevent it.

Be a New Colonist… visit www.newcolonist.com

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