A new multi-family housing development aims to fill a void the city has identified as an ongoing need — missing middle-income housing. The proposed development would bring 33 townhouse-like units to the Fassnight neighborhood, with existing residents split on whether the project would be a pro or a con.
Called a “litmus test” for the city, the project aims to create a townhome development with low-density, multi-family housing. With the recent Springfield housing study completed, housing like this, a middle ground between single-family homes and high-density apartment complexes, is what the city needs most.
Located in the Fassnight neighborhood, the development would be at 1330 S. Kansas Ave. Currently, the lot is undeveloped. It is owned by the Eoff Land Trust and Cameron Eoff, who is heading the project, said it is a personal way to give back to the neighborhood in which his family has laid roots for 80 years.
What’s the purpose of the planned Fassnight townhome development?
The proposal includes conditions to ensure trees are preserved, the exterior and orientation of townhomes is aesthetically complimentary to the rest of the neighborhood and height does not exceed two stories. Eoff said over the years, younger families have moved out of the neighborhood and the housing market has deteriorated. With this development, he hopes to change that by adding housing that is both desirable and affordable.