Talking Headways Podcast: The Missing Middle
This week on the podcast, Dan Parolek of Opticos Design talks about their new website themissingmiddle.com, which explores housing types between high- or mid-rise buildings and single-family homes that cities don't make much anymore.
By
Jeff Wood
2:20 PM EDT on May 14, 2015
This week on the podcast, Dan Parolek of Opticos Design talks about their new website themissingmiddle.com, which explores housing types between high- or mid-rise buildings and single-family homes that cities don’t make much anymore.
We get into Austin’s development code, Cincinnati’s walkable neighborhoods, and how people are often worried by the phrase “density,” then surprised by density designed well.
Why are developers and bankers scared of “missing middle” housing forms like duplexes? And how come we don’t build rowhouses parcel by parcel anymore?
Join us in the middle and find out.
More from Streetsblog New York City
‘Predictable’: Manhattan Mom Struck by Driving Scofflaw Wants Known Super Speeders off the Road
A mother who was hit by a recidivist speeder while carrying her baby wants lawmakers to get known reckless drivers off the road.
April 9, 2026
Need To Kill Cross Bronx Widening Plan Is Obvious Amid Slight Congestion Pricing Pollution Uptick
"We don't want congestion pricing to end, we want to make sure that it doesn't hurt our community. We want congestion relief here as well," said one Bronx advocate.
April 9, 2026
Brooklyn, Manhattan DAs Back Hochul on ‘Stop Super Speeders’
Alvin Bragg and Eric Gonzalez are backing a budget proposal that would stop excessive speeders from endangering communities.
April 9, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines: March (Parking) Madness Trophy Ceremony Edition
Check out what happened when we tried to give Inspector Eric Waldhelm the trophy for cops who disrespect their community. Plus other news.
April 9, 2026
DOT Launches Delivery Worker Training And Puts Apps On Notice
A mandated safety training for delivery workers in New York City is now live, and the DOT wants the apps to take responsibility for safety.
April 8, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.