An Alley-Access-Only Dwelling Unit
Hidden Alley Apartment
A dwelling unit attached to the back of a commercial space.
This existing alley apartment was poorly-constructed, built off the back of a small commercial building in a residential area. The apartment had a series of odd additions tacked onto it, including a dilapidated carport. Working carefully with the existing footprint and the allowable zoning envelope, our team crafted a new vision for the back of this property.
Where before there was a small, awkward apartment in bad shape, there is now a generous and light-filled dwelling unit. The clients envision possibly using this space for their own residence at some point, as they work in the commercial space on the streetside, so it needed to be suitable both as a rental and as a future owner’s unit.
At the exterior, we created a clean, contemporary façade that integrates well with a new covered parking area and a generously-sized, private outdoor room.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Hidden Alley Apartment
Photo by John G Wilbanks.
What did this project look like before we started?
Quite a bit different!
Grab the slider below to switch between “Before” & “After” images so you can experience the transformation for yourself.
Notes & Credits
This project was built by Schaefer Construction.
Landscape design by Scot Eckley.
Photos by John G Wilbanks Photography.
Want to learn more?
You’re welcome to take a look at our available services and other portfolio projects.
Services
Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.
Considering a project? Or, just curious about something?
Send us your questions about design, architecture, interiors, landscape, LEGO rooms… Anything, really. We’re always eager to meet new people, and we’d love to get to know you, your project, and your goals.