Hey everyone! I've been thinking a lot about the housing shortage, especially around New York City, and this concept of 'five over ones' keeps popping up. It's a bit of a hot topic, but after diving into it, I really think it's worth considering as a potential solution, especially for the suburbs surrounding NYC. So, what exactly are 'five over ones'? Basically, they're a type of mixed-use building that's become super common in urban and suburban areas alike. The name comes from their typical structure: five stories of wood-frame construction built on top of a one-story concrete podium. That podium often houses retail, parking, or other commercial spaces, while the upper five floors are residential apartments. The OCR even mentions things like 'Type I Construction' for the podium and 'type V' for the wood-frame, hinting at the different building codes and materials involved. They're designed to be a more efficient way to build a lot of units quickly and, crucially, more affordably than traditional high-rises. The appeal, especially for places like the New York City metro area, is huge. The original post touches on how they're 'cheaper to build' and 'faster' to construct. Imagine being able to flood the market with thousands of new homes, potentially leading to 'lower rents' for everyone. That's a game-changer when you consider how expensive living in or near NYC has become. The idea of building a thousand of these 'five over ones' in the suburbs right outside of New York City isn't just about adding density; it's about providing attainable housing options for folks who currently can't afford to live there. And with good public transport, you could still easily 'take a bus into the city to go to work,' making suburban living truly viable. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: aesthetics. The original content mentions they 'could look a little bit better' and we 'should fix those facades.' And I totally get it! But what if we focused on design? Instead of generic exteriors, we could demand better architectural integration, using materials like brick facades, as suggested, to help them blend into existing neighborhoods. It's about smart design, not just stamping out identical buildings. The point isn't perfection, but practicality and providing homes. Let's also not forget the challenges of building in NYC itself – the 'union rules and regulations,' the 'restrictions,' and just how 'expensive' everything is, especially with concrete and steel construction. 'Five over ones,' with their wood-frame components, offer a more cost-effective alternative that can bypass some of these hurdles, allowing private developers to potentially build without as much red tape, leading to more housing options faster. It’s not about being in Manhattan, but about having a home, period. I think we need to be realistic and explore every avenue to tackle this housing crisis. What are your thoughts on 'five over ones' for our communities?