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Missing middle

A rare opportunity is back on the market! One of the original award-winning cottages at MicroLife's Cottages on Vaughan in Clarkston is now available for purchase! If you've admired this pioneering cottage court community, now is your chance to own a home that helped demonstrate how thoughtful design, walkable neighborhoods, and missing middle housing can create a better way to live. Featuring beautiful architecture, efficient living, and a shared community green, this cottage is part of the project that helped launch MicroLife's vision for attainable homeownership across Metro Atlanta. Interested? Check out the listing through the link in our bio, or feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We'd love to help you learn more about this special community! #MicroLifeInstitute #CottagesOnVaughan #ClarkstonGA #ForSale #CottageCourt #MissingMiddle #AffordableHousing #AttainableHousing #Homeownership #WalkableCommunities #NewUrbanism #HousingMatters #AtlantaRealEstate #GeorgiaHomes #CommunityFirst #LinkInBio

Housing happens one neighborhood at a time. Join us for Wine About Housing: The Transformation of South Downtown Atlanta for an evening of wine, conversation, and bold ideas about creating more housing choices throughout our city. We're especially grateful for the support of The Middle Housing Company, whose mission is centered on delivering the "missing middle" housing that bridges the gap between single-family homes and large apartment buildings. Their work is helping communities embrace housing types that are attainable, walkable, and neighborhood-friendly—exactly the kinds of solutions Atlanta needs more of. 📅 Wednesday, August 19 📍 Atlanta Tech Village – South Downtown 🍷 Doors Open: 5:30 PM 🎤 Program: 6:30 PM ⏰ Concludes: 8:30 PM Join Jon Birdsong and Lucas Roberts as they explore: 🏙️ South Downtown's transformation 🏘️ Housing's role in vibrant neighborhoods 📈 Atlanta's growth challenges and opportunities 🤝 Practical solutions to create more housing choices ✨ What's next for Atlanta's urban core This event brings together developers, architects, planners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who care about building a stronger Atlanta. 🎟️ Reserve your ticket today through the link in our bio—space is limited! Thank you to The Middle Housing Company for championing innovative housing solutions and helping make this event possible. #MissingMiddle #MiddleHousing #WineAboutHousing #AtlantaHousing #SouthDowntownATL #UrbanPlanning #HousingInnovation #AtlantaEvents

Have you ever noticed that so many new apartment buildings seem to look... exactly the same? 🤔🏢 Our latest MicroInsights article takes a closer look at why that's the case. From zoning codes and financing requirements to construction economics and building codes, there are a surprising number of forces that shape the housing we build—and many of them unintentionally encourage the same repetitive designs. At MicroLife, we believe we can do better. By embracing missing middle housing, thoughtful community design, and policies that encourage creativity instead of conformity, we can build neighborhoods that are more beautiful, more walkable, and more attainable. 📖 Read the full article at the MicroInsights blog—link in our bio! #MicroLifeInstitute #MicroInsights #Housing #AffordableHousing #MissingMiddle #UrbanDesign #Architecture #NewUrbanism #CityPlanning #CommunityDevelopment #WalkableCities #HousingPolicy #HousingMatters #BetterHousing #Urbanism

Join us for Wine About Housing on August 19! We're excited to bring our signature event series to Atlanta Tech Village South Downtown for an engaging conversation about the transformation of one of Atlanta's most exciting neighborhoods. Hear from Jon Birdsong and Lucas Roberts as they discuss the vision, challenges, and opportunities behind the revitalization of South Downtown—and what it means for housing, community, and the future of our city. Whether you're a housing advocate, planner, architect, developer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about Atlanta's future, we'd love to see you there. 🎟️ Space is limited—reserve your ticket through the link in our bio! A special thank you to our generous event sponsors @skcollaborative , @amerisbank , @the_middle_housing_company , and @shopvinoteca . Your support helps us continue bringing together diverse voices to advance thoughtful conversations about housing and stronger communities. #WineAboutHousing #MicroLifeInstitute #Atlanta #SouthDowntown #Housing #MissingMiddle #AffordableHousing #Urbanism #CommunityDevelopment #CityPlanning #AtlantaEvents #WalkableCities #HousingAdvocacy #Networking #ThankYouSponsors

Atlanta is changing—come talk about it with us. Join MicroLife Institute on Tuesday, August 19 for our next Wine About Housing, an evening of great conversation, great people, and (of course) great wine! This time we're heading to Atlanta Tech Village South Downtown for a fascinating discussion on one of the city's most exciting redevelopment stories: The Transformation of South Downtown Atlanta. We're thrilled to welcome Jon Birdsong and Lucas Roberts, two of the leaders behind this ambitious project, as they share their vision for bringing new life to one of Atlanta's most historic neighborhoods. Together we'll explore how housing, historic preservation, entrepreneurship, retail, and community investment all work together to create vibrant places people want to call home. Wine & networking begin at 5:30 PM Discussion starts at 6:30 PM Audience Q&A + networking to follow Whether you're a planner, architect, developer, elected official, housing advocate, entrepreneur—or simply someone who cares about the future of Atlanta—this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Space is limited! Grab your tickets now through the link in our bio. A huge thank you to our event sponsors SK Collaborative, Ameris Bank, Middle Housing Co, and VinoTeca for helping make this event possible! #WineAboutHousing #MicroLifeInstitute #Atlanta #SouthDowntown #AtlantaTechVillage #Housing #AffordableHousing #MissingMiddle #Urbanism #NewUrbanism #CityPlanning #CommunityDevelopment #WalkableCities #HousingAdvocacy #AtlantaEvents #HistoricPreservation #SmartGrowth #UrbanDesign #HousingForAll #NetworkingEvent

Something new is taking shape in DeKalb County 🏡 We’ve officially soft-launched CottagesAtMidway.com—your first look at a new 18-home cottage community designed for attainable homeownership. This project is made possible through a partnership between: ✨ MicroLife Institute ✨ Housing Development Corporation ✨ NEST Planning & Construction ✨ Decide DeKalb Together, we’re creating homes for buyers at 80% + 120% AMI, alongside market-rate homes—all centered around thoughtful design and community space. If you’ve ever thought homeownership might be out of reach… you might want to take another look. 👉 Join the interest list 🔗 Link in bio #AtlantaHousing #MissingMiddle #AffordableHousing #DeKalbCounty #Homeownership #CottageLiving

MicroLife had one of those Wednesdays that reminds us why we do this work. We kicked things off with a behind-the-scenes tour alongside representatives from the City of Dalton—big ideas are brewing there, and we can’t wait to share more soon. Then we wrapped the day at Vinoteca for another unforgettable Wine About Housing conversation, featuring the brilliant Ashani O’Mard from ANDP. Insightful, inspiring, and exactly the kind of dialogue that moves housing forward. Grateful for partners, conversations, and communities that keep pushing the needle. 🍷🏡 #MicroLifeInstitute #WineAboutHousing #HousingInnovation #AtlantaHousing #MissingMiddle

Tonight’s the night — Wine About Housing! Join us TODAY at 6:30 PM at VinoTeca for an evening of wine, ideas, and real conversation about how we build better communities. Wine About Housing isn’t a lecture—it’s a lively, honest, and sometimes opinionated discussion where big housing questions meet great wine and even better company. Come sip, connect, ask questions, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing. Last chance — grab your tickets now (link in bio)! #WineAboutHousing #MicroLifeInstitute #AtlantaEvents #HousingInnovation #AffordableHousing #UrbanDesign #CommunityBuilding #SmallScaleLiving #MissingMiddle #IntentionalLiving #ATLNonprofit #SustainableCommunities #TalkHousing

🏡 Builder Opportunity — Union City Cottage Court We’re moving full steam ahead on our nine-unit cottage court in Union City and are now looking for a builder to join the team! In partnership with Fulton County and supported by a federal ARPA grant, this project has completed rezoning and design—and we’re aiming to break ground this summer. If you’re a qualified builder or contractor, check out the RFP details via the link in our bio for full information, exhibits, and submission requirements. ⏰ Responses are due by April 30 — don’t miss it! #MicroLifeInstitute #BuilderOpportunity #RFP #ConstructionOpportunity #AtlantaDevelopment #AffordableHousing #CottageCommunity #SmallScaleLiving #HousingInnovation #ATLBuilders #UnionCityGA #BuildSmallLiveBig

Hello from the great progress at our Hammond Park Townhomes! The whole MLI team came to tour.

We’re off! DeKalb County Comprehensive Housing Bus Tour! #housing #betterhousingchoice #dekalbhousing

Yesterday MicroLife Institute had the privilege to hosting the executive director and board members of @better_living_together at the cottages on Vaughan. What unfolded was more than a site visit. It was a working conversation about the future of housing, community and the human connection. Through tours, dialogue and collaborative charrettes, we explored what truly inclusivity in the built environment can look like when design moves beyond square footage and start considering dignity, accessibility and belonging. #housing #communitydevelopment @better_living_together

Thank you to @homeaidga , in partnership with@generalelectric and @ashtonwoodshomes , for helping make our Hammond Park Townhomes feel even more like home! 💚🏡 Thanks to their generous donation of washers and dryers for all nine homes, the families who move into Hammond Park will have one less thing to worry about as they begin a new chapter. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Hammond Park Townhomes will provide safe, stable, and affordable housing for mothers reentering the community after incarceration, along with comprehensive supportive services through our incredible partner, Housing Plus. With construction complete, we're putting the finishing touches in place and look forward to welcoming our first residents very soon. Partnerships like these make a real difference. Thank you, HomeAid Georgia, GE, and Ashton Woods, for investing in stronger families, brighter futures, and a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. #MicroLifeInstitute #HomeAidGeorgia #GEAppliances #AshtonWoods #AffordableHousing #HousingPlus #CommunityDevelopment #Atlanta #HammondPark #HousingMatters #SupportiveHousing #BuildingCommunity #HousingForAll #Nonprofit #PartnershipsThatMatter

Small Homes. Big Hearts. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating our love for thoughtful design, strong communities, and housing that makes room for everyone. At MicroLife Institute, we believe affordable, attainable homes create the foundation for connection, stability, and opportunity. If you share that love, consider supporting our Development Fund to help us build more cottage communities and expand access to affordable housing. Every gift helps turn heart into home. Donate through the link in our bio. #HappyValentinesDay #MicroLifeInstitute #SmallHomesBigHearts #AffordableHousing #HousingForAll #CommunityFirst #SustainableLiving #IntentionalLiving #DonateInBio #SupportHousing #BuildSmallLiveBig #ATLNonprofit

**Builder Opportunity — Don’t Miss It!** In case you missed it, we’ve released an **RFP for a qualified builder/general contractor** for our upcoming **9-unit cottage court in Union City**! In partnership with @fultoninfo this grant-supported project will create **affordable homeownership opportunities**—and we’re excited to get it under construction this year. Check the **link in our bio** (or our website) for full details and submission info. **Deadline to apply: April 30 — don’t wait!** #MicroLifeInstitute #RFP #BuilderOpportunity #GeneralContractor #AffordableHousing #UnionCityGA #AtlantaDevelopment #CottageCommunity #SmallScaleLiving #HousingInnovation #ATLBuilders #BuildSmallLiveBig

📬💙 Wish Here Was You. Who says postcards have to promote beaches and big cities? We’d rather mail a future worth living in. Huge shoutout to @ddvrom , our Director of Development & Design, for dreaming up this fun little piece of marketing. It takes a simple postcard and turns it into a conversation about the kinds of neighborhoods we’d all love to call home. Creative, memorable, and just the right amount of cheeky. At MicroLife Institute, we believe good design tells a story long before the first shovel hits the ground. Whether it’s branding a housing initiative, creating community engagement materials, or designing neighborhoods that inspire people, we’re passionate about bringing big ideas to life. If your city, nonprofit, developer, or organization is looking for thoughtful design, planning, renderings, branding, or community engagement materials, we’d love to help. 📩 Reach out to MicroLife Institute and let’s build something people will wish they were part of. #MicroLifeInstitute #HousingChoice #UrbanDesign #CommunityDevelopment #MissingMiddleHousing PlaceMaking GraphicDesign NeighborhoodDesign CreativeMarketing DesignForImpact

We had a great time last night at Wine About Housing- thank you to everyone that came and helped make it a fun and informative evening over some fantastic wine and treats. For those of you that missed out stay tuned for our next edition his fall! And a big thanks once again to our sponsors @skcollaborative , @the_middle_housing_company and @amerisbank and our friends at @atltechvillage , @southdowntownatl , @shopvinoteca and @toastsbyrachel !

Wine. Networking. Housing Solutions. Atlanta is changing—and South Downtown is at the center of one of its most exciting transformation stories. Join us on Tuesday, August 19 for the next Wine About Housing, where we'll sit down with Jon Birdsong and Lucas Roberts for an engaging conversation about the vision, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of South Downtown Atlanta. We'll explore: 🏙️ The transformation of South Downtown 🏡 How housing creates vibrant neighborhoods 🤝 Collaboration between developers, policymakers, and community leaders 🌱 What Atlanta's future can look like when we create more housing choices Whether you're a developer, planner, architect, policymaker, entrepreneur, housing advocate, or simply passionate about the future of Atlanta, we'd love to have you join us for an evening of meaningful conversation, great networking, and a glass of wine. 📍 Atlanta Tech Village – South Downtown 📅 Wednesday, August 19 🍷 Doors Open: 5:30 PM 🎤 Program: 6:30 PM 🎟️ Space is limited—reserve your ticket today! Link in bio. A special thank you to our event sponsors The Middle Housing Company, SK Collaborative, Ameris Bank, and VinoTeca for helping make this conversation possible. We appreciate your partnership in advancing innovative housing solutions across our communities. #WineAboutHousing #MicroLifeInstitute #HousingForAll #SouthDowntownATL #Atlanta #AtlantaDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CityBuilding #CommunityDevelopment #MissingMiddleHousing #HousingInnovation #HousingSolutions #WalkableCommunities #HistoricPreservation #EconomicDevelopment #Architecture #RealEstateDevelopment #AtlantaEvents #Networking #CommunityBuilding

Cottages at Midway — Now Live! We’re excited to officially launch cottagesatmidway.com (link in bio!) and begin connecting with future residents of this 18-home cottage community in DeKalb County. These thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom homes (with a range of bathroom layouts) are expected to be priced in the $300s—and even more exciting, eligible buyers may qualify for over $100K in down payment assistance through our partners at @decidedekalb If you’ve been thinking about a more intentional, community-focused way of living, now’s the time to explore. Visit the site and sign up for the newsletter to stay in the loop on updates and upcoming pre-sale opportunities! #CottagesAtMidway #MicroLifeInstitute #AffordableHousing #AtlantaRealEstate #DekalbCounty #FirstTimeHomebuyer #DownPaymentAssistance #SmallScaleLiving #CottageCommunity #IntentionalLiving #HousingInnovation #ATLHomes #BuildSmallLiveBig #HomeownershipOpportunity

An Evening of Wine & Housing – March 25 Join us at VinoTeca on Wednesday, March 25 for a lively night of wine, ideas, and community! We’re honored to welcome Ashani O’Mard, President of @ANDPinc, who brings more than 20 years of leadership in affordable housing development, finance, and cross-sector collaboration across metro Atlanta. Your ticket includes wine tastings all evening, delicious snacks, and a gift bag with a bottle to take home—all while connecting with fellow housing advocates and supporters of MicroLife’s mission. Inspiration + celebration? Yes, please. Reserve your spot today — link in bio! #WineAboutHousing #MicroLifeInstitute #AffordableHousing #AtlantaEvents #HousingInnovation #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityBuilding #SustainableLiving #IntentionalLiving #HousingAdvocacy #ATLNonprofit #SupportLocal #BuildSmallLiveBig

This Earth Day, one of the most impactful things we can do is rethink how much space we really need. A smaller home isn’t just a design choice—it’s a commitment to using fewer resources, creating more efficient communities, and fostering deeper human connection. When we “right-size” our homes, we reduce our footprint while expanding our impact. At MicroLife, we’re working to make that choice more accessible through thoughtfully designed cottage communities that prioritize sustainability, walkability, and community. Interested in being part of it? Sign up for our newsletter to learn about upcoming opportunities in Union City and DeKalb County. #EarthDay #SustainableLiving #RightSizedLiving #SmallHomesBigImpact #MicroLife #CottageLiving #MissingMiddle #WalkableCommunities #UrbanInfill #SustainableDesign #CommunityFirst #AtlantaHousing #DeKalbCounty #UnionCityGA

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This Earth Day, one of the most impactful things we can do is rethink how much space we really need.