Reconsidering the McMansion Business

Builders John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods, hit hard by the downturn, is meeting consumer price points by creating compact home designs instead of the 4,700 sq. ft. homes that were their bread and butter.

1 minute read

November 15, 2009, 11:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

Square footage isn't the only victim of cutbacks- high-end furnishings and materials are also being reconsidered.

From The Wall St. Journal:

"As they draw up blueprints for the house of the post-recession future, builders are struggling to distinguish among what home buyers need, what they want and what they can live without -- Jacuzzi by Jacuzzi, butler's pantry by butler's pantry."

FULL STORY: Builders Downsize the Dream Home

Friday, November 13, 2009 in The Wall St. Journal

Housing Urban Development United States McMansions

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.