This thesis examines the implication of modular timber framing as a design response to the construction labor shortage in Duluth MN. Drawing on the impact of tourism in Duluth and its impact on the housing market, increasing investment in the city is pushing up real estate prices, and in turn changing what buyers are willing to spend on construction labor. Because of this, labor wages remain uncompetitive because of rising real estate and material costs. This thesis explores the use of modular heavy timber as a local resource with minimal manufacturing expenses, intended to bring more money into the construction labor market. This design response permits a variety of configurations that can fit within a variety of site constraints. Renovation practices for rental properties are also explored to mitigate increasing rent. Modular timber framing is also used in two examples of high-end home designs to show the implication of modular timber in a broader market.