About Jones Urban Development Co
Jones Urban Development Co is a construction firm whose principals bring over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. The company focuses exclusively on building cottages, small homes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Their design philosophy centers on space efficiency, favoring informal living areas, outdoor spaces, and a connection to the broader community over more traditional formal layouts.
Jones Urban operates as a division of Populace Homes of Memphis, Inc., serving the Memphis and Shelby County area. The firm is a member of, or certified by, several recognized organizations, including the Memphis Area Home Builders Association, the Tennessee Home Builders Association, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Registered Builder.
Specializing in ADUs and Backyard Cottages
The Memphis/Shelby County Unified Development Code, enacted in June 2011, permits the construction of an accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a primary single-family home. Jones Urban Development Co works within this framework as a dedicated ADU builder and backyard cottage builder. These units are also commonly referred to as:
- Backyard cottages
- Live-aboves
- Carriage houses
- In-law apartments
As an experienced accessory dwelling unit builder, Jones Urban combines time-tested construction methods with innovative approaches and quality materials to deliver well-built, energy-conscious homes.
Construction Innovations in Shelby County
Jones Urban has introduced several construction practices to the Shelby County market that were not previously in use locally. These include:
- Sealed crawlspace foundation — the first building firm to receive approval from Shelby County Code Enforcement for this method.
- All-electric home meeting MLGW EcoBuild requirements — the first firm in the area to achieve this energy efficiency standard.
- Ductless heat pumps for whole-house heating and cooling — a first for Shelby County residential construction.
- Electric tankless water heaters for whole-house water heating — another first for the county.
In addition to these innovations, Jones Urban builds all of their homes using raised floor foundations. This is a consistent standard across their projects, reflecting their commitment to building practices they consider structurally sound and beneficial for homeowners.
For those in the Memphis area looking for an ADU contractor or in-law suite builder with a focused specialty and a track record of local construction innovation, Jones Urban Development Co represents a firm worth considering.