Anchorage launches free pre-approved ADU designs by workshop AD and WILMWORKS

The Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, has launched a Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) initiative to address the city's housing shortage. Two architecture firms—Seattle-based workshop AD and Alaska-based WILMWORKS—provided designs that are free to the public. The Williwaw ADU by workshop AD is a two-story unit with a garage, entryway, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living/dining space, and corner office. WILMWORKS partnered with Tori Hickel Design for the Nearpoint ADU, a vaulted 460-square-foot one-bedroom unit with an optional interior package. Clare Ross of the Anchorage Assembly legislative services office emphasized the need for diverse housing types to retain young residents. The municipality created a checklist guiding residents through ADU development, with material cost estimates expected by summer 2026. Additional designs from a University of Alaska Anchorage engineering class will be released this summer. The program is part of a broader goal to build 10,000 housing units in 10 years, enabled by 2023 land use amendments. Anchorage joins other U.S. cities like New York City and Boise, Idaho, in trialing ADU programs.