The First Ward neighborhood in Charlotte, NC has been completely revitalized through a Federal Hope VI grant and it had become the centerpiece driving development through a master plan of surrounding blocks. This affordable townhouse project is one component of this master plan. The townhouse style creates a vertical loft type space with the living space occupying an open 10 ft. tall box on the middle level of the tree level unit. This space relates back to the street with a front porch. The upper level houses the sleeping suite and the lower level becomes flex space to be used as a studio and/or guestroom. The stair tower connects the three levels with an intermediate landing extending to the street via a front stoop. On some units, this stair also extends to a roof terrace with dramatic