When people think of ADUs, they usually think of homes or living spaces. However, secondary units and smaller footprint buildings don’t have to be limited to those uses — they can be community gathering spaces, make use of temporarily available land for gathering or commercial activities, and be a way to seamlessly integrate small-scale commercial operations into otherwise unused spaces. ACUs, or Accessory Commercial Units, can allow for schools, small offices, stores or small producer workshops placed within neighborhoods that need and support them. They open up new revenue possibilities to support historic communities and revitalize neighborhoods by creating walkable, accessibly-scaled shops and businesses.
Their size is approachable enough to allow for community building, creating opportunities for educating homeowners on building techniques and maintenance, and building skills and capacity in individuals and collectives. As a physical asset, they also offer opportunities for wealth building and neighborhood stability by allowing lower income homeowners avenues to build and create financial health, older community members to age in place, and multigenerational families to grow together. This conversation imagines how these small building types might create more vibrant, skilled, equitable and wealth-building communities.
Learn more about this series here.
June leads blink!LAB architecture, a research-based architecture and design studio committed to the craft of buildings, their potential to enhance cities and develop socially responsible solutions to complex real-world problems.
Teresa is reimagining workforce development by providing homebuilding skills to homeowners and community members and realizing driveways and backyard gardens as shared neighborhood assets.
“Tiny homes are becoming more popular as people are pushed out of mainstream housing options. It allows people to have their dream home, be intentional by choosing a housing option that fits their values, and be extra sustainable by challenging themselves to live within their means.”
– Teresa Baker
Neil is an urban planner and designer who promotes Accessory Commercial Units (ACUs) and other small-scale, locally focused, and community-oriented real estate development for the economic mobility of residents and the fiscal health of the municipality.
“With single-family zone only areas, we become very narrow with what we allow and accept for our communities and what we can provide. ADUs and ACUs allow for gentle density and create opportunities over time for these neighborhoods.”
– Neil Heller
Shira works to lay the groundwork for community-led property acquisitions and stewardship in historically marginalized BIPOC communities to combat displacement in the East Bay. Shira is also an Advisor to Build It Green.
“We are empowering and providing a mechanism for marginalized communities to take ownership of the development they see around them in Oakland and the East Bay rather than being displaced by it.”
– Shira Shaham
Alex Coba
Communication Associate
As a proud California native from Stockton, Alex brings a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set. He has a solid communication background with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from California State University, Chico. Alex is adept at strategic communications and media relations, with experience gathering and sharing stories from his local communities that uplift the unique spirit and values of those places. He is excited to join Build It Green, where he can apply his talents to further BIG’s mission to help communities across California thrive