SOUTH BEND — Betsy Roessner was leery of tentative plans for a cluster of tiny houses near her large Victorian home on Cushing Street on the city’s near northwest side.
But a nationally known expert’s talk about pocket neighborhoods Wednesday night at the St. Joseph County Public Library changed her outlook.
“I feel completely relieved and happy,” Roessner said. “I’m all in favor.”
The retiree was one of about 75 people who turned out to hear Ross Chapin, a developer and architect, introduce the concept of pocket neighborhoods, a term he has coined to describe “a cluster of dwellings around a shared commons.”
That could be tiny houses, which can measure as little as 400 square feet, or smaller traditionally sized houses, such as those around 1,500 square feet.
Less important than the size of the homes is that they share a common space, such as a green space or a commonly owned building, and that they are designed in a way that builds community while maintaining some individuality.
Room-sized, open front porches encourage interaction with neighbors. Bedrooms in the rear of the home give privacy. Landscaping in front yards is layered to gradually transition from the front porch to the sidewalk.
Chapin, who lives in a small town on the edge of suburban Seattle, said the concept has worked well in suburban areas and in small urban areas comparable to South Bend, and he was impressed by what he saw of the city before his talk.