One could say good design is subjective, but it’s now gaining some consensus that the adoption of IBC standards or statewide codes based on those that may be the reason for this aesthetic. Decades ago, cities had their own building codes and they made multi-unit housing more costly. Often, this meant a higher sunk cost so architectural embellishments and the inherent aesthetic qualities of non-combustible materials [[like brick and stone) were more common. Technology and safety improvements have allowed wood frame buildings that are clad in lightweight siding and veneer that feel a lot like wallpaper vs a traditional load bearing system.
The positives are multi unit housing is now cheaper to build. The downside is it’s often criticized for not looking the greatest
Some larger jurisdictions still maintain their own building codes. Or some have hybrids. For example, Chicago has adopted IBC but still has rigid fire wall requirements. As a result, a ton of buildings are still built with load bearing masonry, sharing a lot in common with their century old neighbors.
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