Photos: Christopher Strom Architects
This beginner’s guide to accessory dwelling units explains what they are and how they fit into the housing landscape.
It’s been a year since accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were approved in Edina, offering homeowners a unique way to add value to their properties while addressing housing needs. These small, secondary residences—often referred to as backyard cottages, in-law suites or granny flats—are gaining attention for their versatility. Whether used to house family members, generate rental income or create a private retreat, ADUs offer endless possibilities. But what exactly are they, and what should you know before considering one for your property? Let’s dive in.
ADUs are not a new concept but have only been introduced in Minnesota within the past decade with Minneapolis being the major player for this type of housing. ADUs can vary quite widely from an apartment above the garage to a livable basement unit and even a tiny home on the property. For Minneapolis residents, ADUs have been a welcome housing solution, given the density of the city. Edina recently followed suit, adopting a similar ordinance on April 16, 2024. As the one-year anniversary approaches, the quantity of ADUs remains low but not for a lack of interest as many residents are starting to see the potential solutions and opportunities ADUs could bring to Edina families and residents alike.
ADUs can embrace whimsy. “Because it’s not the main house, people often feel a little more free and have fun with it. A pop of exterior color makes it stand out as its own little oasis,” says Christopher Strom of Christopher Strom Architects.
Edina Community Development coordinator Addison Lewis has been working on the ADU project since its conception in 2022 after the topic continued to arise on guiding documents, such as the housing strategy task force report. “Once it started popping up, it was worth looking into,” Lewis says. “We uncovered a lot of benefits.” He and other planning commission members got to work collecting data through research, surveys, feedback and panels. After multiple iterations of a potential ordinance, the City Council adopted the ordinance last year.
“It gives more flexibility to home owners and families to meet the individual needs of that family,” he says. “There’s a growing need for housing for smaller households, and ADUs are a way to introduce gentle density or middle housing.” Generational living, whether cohabitating with an aging parent, a newly graduated young adult or a caretaker, is made easier with ADUs, which offer ample living space and privacy without impeding on the existing family unit. Smaller households, as Lewis alluded to, typically have a smaller footprint and are in the market for living options that are in the style and size of apartments. ADUs are a great solution for couples or single professionals, especially with the rising costs of apartment rentals and reduction in inventory.
In the current residential landscape of Edina, the ordinance regulations for ADUs have been carefully constructed to ensure the character of the neighborhoods remains intact. Any property with a single family house is allowed one ADU, whether detached, attached or in the existing home, as long as it’s to code (property setback, one-hour firewall, egress windows and percentage of property can be covered by buildings). Typically 1,000 square feet or less, ADUs must include certain living space requirements, such as a bathroom, cooking area, bedroom area (It doesn’t have to be a separate room and can be a studio.) and living space. It’s important to note that Edina has a law prohibiting short-term rentals, meaning ADUs cannot be rented out for stays of less than 30 days.
Only one year into Edina’s adoption of the ADU ordinance, Lewis knows it will be a continued evolution and work in progress. “When you adopt an ordinance like this, it may need to be revisited,” he says. “It’s a test and learning moment to listen to which issues are arising and revisit the ordinance for any tweaks that need to be made.” Innovation takes time, but when solutions are byproducts of careful planning and thoughtful consideration, they tend to settle in and stick around for good.
Constructing an ADU
To create such a space, careful planning is required often alongside the right partners. Christopher Strom of Christopher Strom Architects was drawn to the smaller scale aspects of design. More specifically, ADU design is unique. “It’s all the things someone needs in a house but distilled into a smaller scale,” Strom says. “They are universally appreciated, and they tend to be really cute, too.” He says what makes ADUs so lovable is that they are reasonably sized, and the average person can easily visualize themselves there. For those interested in living in Edina, specifically, ADUs could be a foot in the proverbial door. For homeowners who love their neighborhood or want to downsize without moving, ADUs provide a way to stay local while reducing primary living space. Additionally, they can be a valuable investment that enhance property value and expands functionality. It not only broadens the housing options, but it allows people to come into the community and stay long-term, building an even more connected city.
Designed by Christopher Strom, this spacious ADU offers plenty of room for both residents and their furry friends. A sleek sliding door elegantly divides the living area from the bathroom, providing both style and space-saving functionality.
When it comes to the design elements of an ADU, Strom takes into account factors such as layout preferences, location on the lot and needs of the resident. It’s also critical to understand how the ADU unit connects to the neighborhood and main residence, if there are shared spaces and access points. Strom takes careful consideration when designing and elevates the uniqueness of ADUs. For example, unlike an apartment building, ADUs that are autonomous often have the option for additional windows, allowing extra natural light to flood in. Owners can also more boldly imagine an ADU design that stands out against the backdrop of the rest of the neighborhood. “Because it’s not the main house, people often feel a little more free and have fun with it,” Strom says, “A pop of exterior color makes it stand out as its own little oasis.
Enjoying Your New Space
Linden Hills resident Eric Tollefson first explored the idea of adding an ADU to his property as a solution for when family was visiting. He wanted to give them their own space to enjoy. Tollefson partnered with Strom to design and build the ADU of his dreams, which included vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows to expand the space visually.
The interior of Eric Tollefson’s ADU in Linden Hills. Photos: Alyssa Lee Photography
Once finally constructed, Tollefson discovered that the ADU had other great uses, such as hosting gatherings and serving as an escape from home renovations.
When reflecting on the interactions while working with Strom, Tollefson had nothing but praise. “He had great initial ideas of what we could do, given the footprint was based on an existing structure,” Tollefson says. “He was very adept at integrating things important to me into the design while keeping it practical and usable. He was also a great liaison to both the city and the builder, and in the end, the space is exactly what I wanted it to be—functional, elegant and playful.” His ADU has an expansive 12-foot, multipane glass door, custom furniture for small spaces and a bold cayenne red exterior paint color.
Tollefson built his cayenne red colored ADU as a space for family and friends to live in while visiting. Over the years, it’s been a place to live in while the main home was being renovated. It’s also a great place for parties.
With careful planning and the right collaboration between homeowners, architects and the city, ADUs can offer a unique and functional living space. Whether for guests or extra room for your family, an ADU can be a creative way to make the most of your property.
Edina’s First ADU
Rick Jacobson owns Edina’s first-ever accessory dwelling unit (ADU). A residential remodeler by trade, he saw untapped potential in his garage and knew he could transform the space into something more. “It was big enough, so I could put in a living space above it and a hallway and stairway going up,” Jacobson says. “When the City of Edina announced they were going to start ADUs, I turned it into a studio apartment. I am semi-retired, and it would give us extra income.”
Photos: Lee Snyder
Thanks to the way his garage was originally framed, Jacobson didn’t have to make any major structural changes. “The only thing that I had to do was to add more insulation below the floor, and I had to upgrade to an egress window,” he says.
The finished 480-square-foot space features a cozy fireplace with a TV above it, a Murphy bed and a kitchenette with a gas stove and small refrigerator. Thoughtful design was key. “My wife and I did the design work … We were looking at every square inch we could grab and apply to the function of the unit,” he says. To maximize light, Jacobson installed skylights, making the studio bright and inviting.
“Being a remodeling contractor and having my own company, that’s what I do for other people. I do middle to upper-end remodeling,” he says. “It was rewarding to build something for myself.”
Christopher Strom Architects
3308 Gorham Ave., St. Louis Park
Jacobson Construction
612.462.2598
