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July 30, 2025

Can Alley Homes Solve DC’s Housing Crisis?

City Cast DC

Can Alley Homes Solve DC’s Housing Crisis?

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Tens of thousands of Washingtonians used to live in alleys. Back in the old days, they were thought of as slum dwellings. But could alley homes make a comeback — and maybe even go upscale? Mark Lawrence and Elizabeth Emerson have an architecture firm that specializes in turning yesterday’s garages into tomorrow’s boutique apartments; they’re here to explain what it would look for residents like if DC opened up alley dwellings. 

Check out our episode on the history of DC’s alleys here.

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