This project represents forty-one, infill, single-family detached affordable houses -- the results of the first 9 years of operation of The Muncie Homeownership and Development Center and its partners (and their role): Muncie Urban Enterprise Association (funding); City of Muncie /Dept. of Community Development (funding and land acquisition); Muncie Area Career Center (constructs one house /year); East Central Indiana Building Trade Unions Apprenticeship Program (job training & donated labor); and the Muncie Urban Design Studio (MUDS), Ball State University, College of Architecture and Planning (planning and design services, and some construction administration). MUDS also secured the Lilly Endowment grant funds to start the center, helped conduct owner design-input workshops, and continues to participate in the maintenance workshops and developing new housing prototypes. Using conventional construction and paying careful attention to detail, these infill housing units have become a major catalyst for the stabilization and revitalization of Muncie's low-income neighborhoods.

Students at the Muncie Area Vocational Career Center constructed one unit per year. In addition, six units were constructed in partnership with the Central Indiana Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Program. Many vacant lots were donated by the Department of Community Development. In some cases, a typical infill lot was purchased for $1,000 +/-. The city, in some instances, covered demolition costs of existing dilapidated/condemned houses. Building permit fees were waived or reduced, and the program received a three-year tax abatement program initiated by city. Local homebuilders and material suppliers helped in technical decisions with donated time. In Muncie, the home center charges no developer's fee. The architectural services have been provided by the Muncie Urban Design Studio, a Ball State University-based, community-design studio. The fees charged were substantially below those that would be charged by typical architectural firms.

Contain construction and lifecycle costs:

Prototype design, with a range of street facades, was used to achieve affordability, yet historic compatibility and individuality. One basic plan/room configuration that is 28 feet wide by 45 feet deep on a simple rectangular foundation was utilized. In addition, efficient concentration of systems minimized initial costs. The rooms requiring approximately 80% of all HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems --kitchen, bath, mechanical closet, 1/2 bath, and laundry service -- are located in a central "core zone" that is 16' deep and runs the width of the housing unit.

Common construction techniques and standard "off-the-shelf" components also was used to contain costs. Traditional, readily available and affordable materials were used that required no special trades or fabrication. Construction costs were minimized through use of time-tested, traditional light-wood frame construction that minimized waste. The design details such as projections (window bays and room extensions) are accomplished through simple cantilevered wood construction. Except for the four bedroom option, the porches are "carved out of the volume" thus allowing for standard, simple, roof truss construction over the entire structure. A wide range of design options are obtained through inexpensive variations involving window and room bays, porch detailing, and color combinations.

Life-cycle costs were minimized through selection of exterior materials that had low initial and maintenance costs. Materials that are non or low maintenance were used. Energy efficiency obtained through careful attention to construction details as they pertain to insulation and infiltration. Quality windows used. HVAC units are high efficiency. All other equipment, fixtures, and appliances are standard sizes and readily available at competitive prices.

To facilitate management of life cycle costs, workshops are conducted for first-time home buyers that focus on budget/financial management, maintenance of a home, and energy-efficiency operational techniques.

Support household and neighborhood fit:

The exterior design and options available are predicated on reinforcing the historic fabric of the neighborhoods existing housing stock, most of which was constructed between 1890 and 1930. To ensure compatibilty with characteristics of the historic neighborhood's physical context, existing historic housing typologies were inventoried, documented, and analyzed during the first phase of the MUDS's design process. This information was used as a basis for the basic building/site relationship planning and the design of the roof pitches, porch detailing, bay windows, material detailing, color combinations, etc.

The house plan development -- interior room configurations and detailing of the units -- was based on input from prospective homebuyers through participatory workshops. Workshop participation by prospective owners is a requirement for qualifying for the mortgage program. Drawings of building plans and available options for interior and exterior details were produced by MUDS to be easily understood by the layperson in helping them to make design decisions. Post occupancy evaluation determined the refinement of details. For instance, to allow for personal choice, two alternative partitions between the kitchen and dining room were offered.

A housing counselor provided services both before and after ownership was obtained; for instance, education on home maintenance and efficient operation.