Transformation advocate Wes Hiatt promotes positive change
The Alley House Program, an innovative initiative led by Assistant Professor Hiatt at Lehigh University, is making waves in Bethlehem by addressing the issue of affordable housing through the revival of historical alley houses.
The program, which has adopted a community-driven approach, involves city officials, architects, students, community development folks, and longtime residents. This collaborative effort has built trust and resulted in a project that neighbors support, with resident involvement continuing to shape the project.
Assistant Professor Hiatt, whose father was trained as a landscape architect and carpenter, brings a unique perspective to the table. His interest in making things, combined with his unconventional path to architecture and design, has been instrumental in the program's success. Hiatt encourages his students to be open to new things and different paths, encouraging them to get exposure to as many different ideas as possible during their time at Lehigh.
The Alley House Program's work has a political, social, or cultural impact, shaping the places people live. Research into smaller cities has been a significant focus, filling a critical gap in our understanding of these areas, often overlooked in urban planning, design, and architecture research. The program has documented hundreds of existing alley houses, walked more than 50 miles of alleys, and interviewed residents.
Another research focus is studying how small cities have successfully adopted accessory unit policies, supported by a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Construction on the first pilot alley house "accessory unit" began this summer, supported by Governor Shapiro's PHARE program. The remaining three units will be built over the next few years through a congressional grant, a first in the university's history.
The Alley House Program has provided hands-on experience for over 60 students from 12 different majors, offering them opportunities in zoning, community engagement, public storytelling, and construction. The program's approach emphasizes listening and learning from others to build consensus and make real, lasting change.
Recently, Assistant Professor Hiatt was selected for the 2025 Cohort of the Academy for Public Scholarship on the Built Environment: Housing Equity. This recognition underscores the program's commitment to creating equitable housing solutions.
In essence, the Alley House Program demonstrates how art, architecture, and design students can apply their skills to create lasting change in their communities. By rethinking land-use policy in a way that honours local history and opens new possibilities, the program is making a significant impact on the city of Bethlehem.
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