Aaron Lubeck
@aaronlubeck.bsky.social
Builder. 🏘️🏚️🏨🏫
Restored 40+ historic buildings.
Designed many more.
Editor @southernurbanism.bsky.social
"OnHousing" Blog | Subscribe 👉 aaronlubeck.com
Restored 40+ historic buildings.
Designed many more.
Editor @southernurbanism.bsky.social
"OnHousing" Blog | Subscribe 👉 aaronlubeck.com
Spokane has been killing it with housing reforms:
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Spokane has been killing it with housing reforms:
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
"Urban Sprawl" is an oxymoron.
November 8, 2025 at 1:22 PM
"Urban Sprawl" is an oxymoron.
A lovely modern take on the #MissingMiddleHousing graphic.
This is what an equitable city looks like.
via @DevaniAlkarim at mddl.com
This is what an equitable city looks like.
via @DevaniAlkarim at mddl.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:59 PM
A lovely modern take on the #MissingMiddleHousing graphic.
This is what an equitable city looks like.
via @DevaniAlkarim at mddl.com
This is what an equitable city looks like.
via @DevaniAlkarim at mddl.com
For about ten years, I did nothing but historic restorations.
None were harder--or more gratifying--than the restoration of this office building.
At the time, its 2200sf footprint meant that it was The Smallest #LEED Platinum Building in the World.
I served as the developer and contractor.
None were harder--or more gratifying--than the restoration of this office building.
At the time, its 2200sf footprint meant that it was The Smallest #LEED Platinum Building in the World.
I served as the developer and contractor.
November 4, 2025 at 1:02 PM
For about ten years, I did nothing but historic restorations.
None were harder--or more gratifying--than the restoration of this office building.
At the time, its 2200sf footprint meant that it was The Smallest #LEED Platinum Building in the World.
I served as the developer and contractor.
None were harder--or more gratifying--than the restoration of this office building.
At the time, its 2200sf footprint meant that it was The Smallest #LEED Platinum Building in the World.
I served as the developer and contractor.
Consolidation and corporatization of development has transformed our cities. Local developments typically consist of < 4 units, while corporate developments often exceed 50.
Since the 1990s, we have radically corporatized.
This underscores the importance of defending localism.
Since the 1990s, we have radically corporatized.
This underscores the importance of defending localism.
November 3, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Consolidation and corporatization of development has transformed our cities. Local developments typically consist of < 4 units, while corporate developments often exceed 50.
Since the 1990s, we have radically corporatized.
This underscores the importance of defending localism.
Since the 1990s, we have radically corporatized.
This underscores the importance of defending localism.
According to "The Effect of Minimum Parking Requirements on Housing Affordability", parking spaces can increase the cost of new homes up to $50,000 each.
Dropping the mandate opens the door to more affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods. #HB369
Dropping the mandate opens the door to more affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods. #HB369
November 1, 2025 at 12:12 PM
According to "The Effect of Minimum Parking Requirements on Housing Affordability", parking spaces can increase the cost of new homes up to $50,000 each.
Dropping the mandate opens the door to more affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods. #HB369
Dropping the mandate opens the door to more affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods. #HB369
This week, I continue to write on political philosophy, on Michael Polanyi's Moral Inversion:
"The language of virtue is intentionally used to disguise and promote immoral or harmful acts."
Read my latest, onHousing ➡️ https://loom.ly/9igX8e8
(This one is paywalled. Thanks for your support!)
"The language of virtue is intentionally used to disguise and promote immoral or harmful acts."
Read my latest, onHousing ➡️ https://loom.ly/9igX8e8
(This one is paywalled. Thanks for your support!)
October 31, 2025 at 4:07 PM
This week, I continue to write on political philosophy, on Michael Polanyi's Moral Inversion:
"The language of virtue is intentionally used to disguise and promote immoral or harmful acts."
Read my latest, onHousing ➡️ https://loom.ly/9igX8e8
(This one is paywalled. Thanks for your support!)
"The language of virtue is intentionally used to disguise and promote immoral or harmful acts."
Read my latest, onHousing ➡️ https://loom.ly/9igX8e8
(This one is paywalled. Thanks for your support!)
4 plex
stock plan
legal by right in nearly every US neighborhood pre 1927
🇺🇸 Where did we go wrong? 🇺🇸
stock plan
legal by right in nearly every US neighborhood pre 1927
🇺🇸 Where did we go wrong? 🇺🇸
October 28, 2025 at 12:19 PM
4 plex
stock plan
legal by right in nearly every US neighborhood pre 1927
🇺🇸 Where did we go wrong? 🇺🇸
stock plan
legal by right in nearly every US neighborhood pre 1927
🇺🇸 Where did we go wrong? 🇺🇸
Urban townhomes of this size would be natural starter homes, but they have largely been legislated out of existence by urban planners, who habitually require:
minimum lot sizes
setbacks
parking
density maximums
It's an equity issue: these rules kill urban starter homes.
minimum lot sizes
setbacks
parking
density maximums
It's an equity issue: these rules kill urban starter homes.
October 27, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Urban townhomes of this size would be natural starter homes, but they have largely been legislated out of existence by urban planners, who habitually require:
minimum lot sizes
setbacks
parking
density maximums
It's an equity issue: these rules kill urban starter homes.
minimum lot sizes
setbacks
parking
density maximums
It's an equity issue: these rules kill urban starter homes.
Through its Missing Middle Subdivision State Law, Portland has built more than 1400 new homes in just 3 years.
Credit to #YIMBY Governor @TinaKotek!
Most of them are lower-cost than the neighborhoods where they are built.
Credit to #YIMBY Governor @TinaKotek!
Most of them are lower-cost than the neighborhoods where they are built.
October 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Through its Missing Middle Subdivision State Law, Portland has built more than 1400 new homes in just 3 years.
Credit to #YIMBY Governor @TinaKotek!
Most of them are lower-cost than the neighborhoods where they are built.
Credit to #YIMBY Governor @TinaKotek!
Most of them are lower-cost than the neighborhoods where they are built.
I dig back into political classics to explain why homebuilding humbles the maker—and enrages the idle.
Read my latest essay, onHousing: https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/the-builder-and-the-blamer
#deTocqueville #Nietzsche #MatthewCrawford #housing #politicalphilosophy
Read my latest essay, onHousing: https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/the-builder-and-the-blamer
#deTocqueville #Nietzsche #MatthewCrawford #housing #politicalphilosophy
October 22, 2025 at 12:03 PM
I dig back into political classics to explain why homebuilding humbles the maker—and enrages the idle.
Read my latest essay, onHousing: https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/the-builder-and-the-blamer
#deTocqueville #Nietzsche #MatthewCrawford #housing #politicalphilosophy
Read my latest essay, onHousing: https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/the-builder-and-the-blamer
#deTocqueville #Nietzsche #MatthewCrawford #housing #politicalphilosophy
Kathleen A. Madden (1947-2025)
I am saddened by the passing of Kathy Madden, a pioneer in the field of placemaking and co-founder of Project for Public Spaces.
I had the opportunity to meet Kathy at the Better Cities Film Festival in Detroit in 2023. She will be missed.
https://loom.ly/qWxC_VM
I am saddened by the passing of Kathy Madden, a pioneer in the field of placemaking and co-founder of Project for Public Spaces.
I had the opportunity to meet Kathy at the Better Cities Film Festival in Detroit in 2023. She will be missed.
https://loom.ly/qWxC_VM
October 22, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Kathleen A. Madden (1947-2025)
I am saddened by the passing of Kathy Madden, a pioneer in the field of placemaking and co-founder of Project for Public Spaces.
I had the opportunity to meet Kathy at the Better Cities Film Festival in Detroit in 2023. She will be missed.
https://loom.ly/qWxC_VM
I am saddened by the passing of Kathy Madden, a pioneer in the field of placemaking and co-founder of Project for Public Spaces.
I had the opportunity to meet Kathy at the Better Cities Film Festival in Detroit in 2023. She will be missed.
https://loom.ly/qWxC_VM
Much of our housing crisis can be understood through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
We should focus on developing housing that not only fosters love and belonging but also promotes human flourishing at the highest levels.
One idea to achieve this is... 👇
We should focus on developing housing that not only fosters love and belonging but also promotes human flourishing at the highest levels.
One idea to achieve this is... 👇
October 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Much of our housing crisis can be understood through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
We should focus on developing housing that not only fosters love and belonging but also promotes human flourishing at the highest levels.
One idea to achieve this is... 👇
We should focus on developing housing that not only fosters love and belonging but also promotes human flourishing at the highest levels.
One idea to achieve this is... 👇
I am leading a panel on urban placemaking in Charlotte in November.
The trains in North Carolina are just scarce enough that it doesn't work.
I need a train from Durham to Charlotte that departs around 5:30 AM and arrives in Charlotte by 8:00 AM for the workday.
The trains in North Carolina are just scarce enough that it doesn't work.
I need a train from Durham to Charlotte that departs around 5:30 AM and arrives in Charlotte by 8:00 AM for the workday.
October 20, 2025 at 12:02 PM
I am leading a panel on urban placemaking in Charlotte in November.
The trains in North Carolina are just scarce enough that it doesn't work.
I need a train from Durham to Charlotte that departs around 5:30 AM and arrives in Charlotte by 8:00 AM for the workday.
The trains in North Carolina are just scarce enough that it doesn't work.
I need a train from Durham to Charlotte that departs around 5:30 AM and arrives in Charlotte by 8:00 AM for the workday.
The best part of my crazy fall? Coaching the Riverside Varsity Girls Tennis Team.
Last year, they beat a #ChapelHill school for the first time ever. This year, they made the 2nd round of playoffs and sent all four qualifying teams to regionals—#1 doubles nearly made states.
stay tuned #states26!
Last year, they beat a #ChapelHill school for the first time ever. This year, they made the 2nd round of playoffs and sent all four qualifying teams to regionals—#1 doubles nearly made states.
stay tuned #states26!
October 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The best part of my crazy fall? Coaching the Riverside Varsity Girls Tennis Team.
Last year, they beat a #ChapelHill school for the first time ever. This year, they made the 2nd round of playoffs and sent all four qualifying teams to regionals—#1 doubles nearly made states.
stay tuned #states26!
Last year, they beat a #ChapelHill school for the first time ever. This year, they made the 2nd round of playoffs and sent all four qualifying teams to regionals—#1 doubles nearly made states.
stay tuned #states26!
American Main Street buildings are ubiquitous across the country and around the globe.
But new ones have been almost completely eradicated in the last 50 years.
Who is responsible for their disappearance? And how do we bring them back?
From Classical Architecture Studio in #Charleston.
But new ones have been almost completely eradicated in the last 50 years.
Who is responsible for their disappearance? And how do we bring them back?
From Classical Architecture Studio in #Charleston.
October 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
American Main Street buildings are ubiquitous across the country and around the globe.
But new ones have been almost completely eradicated in the last 50 years.
Who is responsible for their disappearance? And how do we bring them back?
From Classical Architecture Studio in #Charleston.
But new ones have been almost completely eradicated in the last 50 years.
Who is responsible for their disappearance? And how do we bring them back?
From Classical Architecture Studio in #Charleston.
HOT TAKE:
Yes, the Interstate System should have been built.
No, those freeways should not have been built anywhere inside of already-existing American cities.
via Segregation By Design
Yes, the Interstate System should have been built.
No, those freeways should not have been built anywhere inside of already-existing American cities.
via Segregation By Design
October 16, 2025 at 12:03 PM
HOT TAKE:
Yes, the Interstate System should have been built.
No, those freeways should not have been built anywhere inside of already-existing American cities.
via Segregation By Design
Yes, the Interstate System should have been built.
No, those freeways should not have been built anywhere inside of already-existing American cities.
via Segregation By Design
It's election season in Durham, North Carolina, and that means Class-A psychopathy and gaslighting are around the corner!
Bookmark this to come back to it later.
+ If you SEE it, SAY it.
Bookmark this to come back to it later.
+ If you SEE it, SAY it.
October 15, 2025 at 4:40 PM
It's election season in Durham, North Carolina, and that means Class-A psychopathy and gaslighting are around the corner!
Bookmark this to come back to it later.
+ If you SEE it, SAY it.
Bookmark this to come back to it later.
+ If you SEE it, SAY it.
I got to review the new California Forever town plan.
This will be the largest new town built in America in a century, and it's filled with creative design and placemaking.
Read my latest onHousing: link via bio https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/i-got-to-review-the-new-california
This will be the largest new town built in America in a century, and it's filled with creative design and placemaking.
Read my latest onHousing: link via bio https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/i-got-to-review-the-new-california
October 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM
I got to review the new California Forever town plan.
This will be the largest new town built in America in a century, and it's filled with creative design and placemaking.
Read my latest onHousing: link via bio https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/i-got-to-review-the-new-california
This will be the largest new town built in America in a century, and it's filled with creative design and placemaking.
Read my latest onHousing: link via bio https://www.aaronlubeck.com/p/i-got-to-review-the-new-california
If you mandate B, you'll get a lot less A.
October 14, 2025 at 12:34 PM
If you mandate B, you'll get a lot less A.
Sometimes, placemaking is A LOT simpler than you'd think.
#design #architecture #theater #tacticalurbanism
#design #architecture #theater #tacticalurbanism
October 14, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Sometimes, placemaking is A LOT simpler than you'd think.
#design #architecture #theater #tacticalurbanism
#design #architecture #theater #tacticalurbanism
Minimum lot size and #affordability inversely correlate?!?
Who could have known?
Who could have known?
October 10, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Minimum lot size and #affordability inversely correlate?!?
Who could have known?
Who could have known?