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How Alley Infill Housing Is Shaping the Future of Midtown Sacramento

July 14th, 2022

Why Midtown Sacramento Continues to Grow

Midtown Sacramento remains one of the region’s most desirable places to live thanks to its walkability, diverse arts and entertainment scene, and vibrant culinary offerings. Since 2017, the neighborhood has seen a significant increase in residential developments—both entitled and under construction—designed to support people who want to live in the urban core.

While many new projects are large-scale, mixed-use buildings, Midtown is also seeing growth in a different direction: gentle, neighborhood-sensitive housing development that fits seamlessly into existing communities.

What “Gentle Density” Means for Sacramento

Cities across the country are exploring ways to increase housing options without dramatically altering the character of established neighborhoods. In Sacramento, this gentle-density movement includes efforts such as:

  • Encouraging construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

  • Allowing up to fourplexes in formerly single-family zones

  • Supporting a uniquely Central City approach — alley-facing housing developments

These approaches create more homes while maintaining the scale and charm that Midtown residents value.

Understanding Sacramento’s Central City Alley Grid

Sacramento’s Central City is defined by its recognizable 30-block-by-30-block grid. Running north to south between each block are alleys stretching from Old Sacramento through Midtown to the Alhambra corridor. Altogether, there are more than 37 miles of alleys in the urban core.

Historically, alleys were designed for utility functions, providing space for essential city services behind homes and businesses. Buildings traditionally faced the street, leaving alleys inactive and overlooked.

Reimagining Alleys: From Utility Space to Community Asset

Today, alleys have become an important part of the conversation around housing affordability and urban revitalization. With updated city design guidelines, Sacramento is encouraging the activation of alleys for both businesses and residential development.

One of Midtown’s earliest and strongest examples is Liestal Alley between 17th and 19th streets—home to Old Soul Coffee, permeable pavers for stormwater management, upgraded lighting, and thoughtful landscaping. This project demonstrated how alleys can evolve into inviting, people-friendly spaces.

How Alley Infill Housing Strengthens Midtown Neighborhoods

As Sacramento looks for ways to expand its housing supply, alley infill housing has emerged as a powerful tool. Many historic Midtown neighborhoods—including Boulevard Park, Marshall School, New Era Park, Newton Booth, and Richmond Grove—feature deep residential lots that stretch roughly 160 feet from street to alley.

These deep lots allow property owners to add new alley-facing homes such as:

  • Duplexes

  • Fourplexes

  • Small multi-unit buildings (up to eight or ten homes)

This type of infill development:

  • Adds housing without disrupting historic neighborhood character

  • Improves alley safety and visibility

  • Activates previously underutilized spaces

  • Increases walkability and urban vitality

  • Supports long-term housing affordability in the urban core

A Sustainable Path Forward for Housing in Midtown Sacramento

As Sacramento continues to grow, it will need a variety of housing types—from multi-family apartment buildings to ADUs to small-scale alley infill projects. Gentle-density development makes it possible to add homes thoughtfully, using existing infrastructure and preserving the unique character of Midtown’s historic neighborhoods.

Alley infill is one of the most promising opportunities for creating new housing in the Central City, and it plays a key role in building a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Midtown for the future.

The next time you’re walking in Midtown think about cutting through an alley to find one of these hidden housing projects. You might be surprised how many you find. Snap a photo of your favorite alley infill project and tag @exploremidtown with the #alleyinfill for a chance to be featured on our social or in our newsletters.