3 In a Row

3 In a Row is a set of three 1,850-square-foot row houses located in San Diego, California, positioned among older industrial buildings. Developed as one of the first new single-family homes for private ownership in the area in decades, the project responds to a context in transition and an underutilized neighborhood fabric. The brief called for housing that could offer individual ownership without the structure of a traditional homeowners’ association, referencing the East Coast row house model but adapting it for the local climate and lifestyle. Each narrow, 16-foot-wide residence features open, flexible layouts with double-height spaces and loft-like interiors. The design includes multiple bedrooms, private rear yards, and secured attached parking within each unit. Material choices and spatial organization reference contemporary and midcentury modern influences, while providing functionality suited for urban living. The homes’ configuration and architectural language anticipate the eventual densification of the neighborhood, establishing a precedent for future redevelopment in the surrounding area.