Real Estate Innovator Bobby Fijan Advocates for Return of Masonry Brownstones with Alley-Loaded Designs

Real estate developer Bobby Fijan has called for a resurgence in the construction of traditional brownstones featuring masonry, soundproofing, and alley-loaded designs, emphasizing their potential to create more livable and family-friendly urban environments. In a recent social media post, Fijan stated, "> We need to build brownstones again. Masonry. Soundproof. Alley loaded. 1600sf, 3BR+Office/2.5BA." This advocacy highlights a growing conversation within urban development about sustainable and community-oriented housing solutions.

Fijan, known for his work in optimizing floor plans and advocating for family-sized housing units, co-founded Form Developers and has a background in real estate startups. He frequently critiques modern development trends that prioritize smaller units for short-term financial gains, often at the expense of long-term urban livability. His focus is on building housing that allows families to put down roots in cities, rather than being pushed to the suburbs.

The call for masonry construction taps into the inherent benefits of this centuries-old technique. Masonry offers superior durability, fire resistance, and thermal insulation compared to many modern building materials. Crucially, masonry provides excellent sound insulation, addressing a common concern in dense urban living. Brownstones, traditionally built with materials like brown sandstone, are celebrated for their robust construction and aesthetic appeal, contributing to a sense of permanence and character in neighborhoods.

Integrating soundproofing beyond masonry walls is also a key element of Fijan's vision. Older brownstones, while structurally sound, often lack modern acoustic insulation between floors. Modern soundproofing techniques, including dense materials and specialized drywall, can significantly enhance comfort and privacy, making multi-story living more appealing. This focus aims to mitigate urban noise, a significant factor in resident satisfaction.

Alley-loaded designs, where garages and utilities are accessed from a rear alley rather than the main street, are central to Fijan's proposal. This design choice allows for more pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, with homes closer to sidewalks and front porches fostering community interaction. By moving cars and refuse collection to the back, alleys can enhance the aesthetic and safety of primary streets, promoting a more human-scale urban fabric.