Design for living
2008 Awards applications
For Remodel Projects
For Builders
For Developers
AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) created a joint awards program-the Livable Communities Awards for Builders, Remodelers, and Developers-to recognize forward-looking companies that have constructed creative and unique homes and communities with accessible features that improve the daily comfort, ease of use, and safety, of all their residents, no matter what their ages or physical abilities. We introduce our five winners with just one word: Bravo!
Winning Builder: 2,500 or Less Square-Foot Home
Armory Park del SolTucson, Arizona
By John Wesley Miller Companies
www.armoryparkdelsol.com
Spacious, step-free front walks welcome one and all into these energy-efficient homes, just blocks away from downtown Tucson. Wide doorways allow for easy movement from room to room and access to an inviting brick patio. State-of-the-art technology is standard.
All homes are electric, and because they use solar photovoltaic and water heating systems, energy consumption is reduced by 56 percent.
Winning Builder: More Than 2,500 Square-Foot Home
Olde Town Grayson, Lot 13BGrayson, Georgia
By Wendt Builders Inc.
www.oldetowngrayson.com
The home's rustic exterior reflects the charm of its historic neighborhood. We're impressed by the foresight that went into the fashionable and functional design of the two-story home, which has all the essentials on the first floor-bedrooms, baths, kitchen, and laundry-accessibility musts.
Comfort-ease toilets, raised vanities, and assist bars in showers — all are added bonuses in this 'livable' home targeted to the 50+ homeowner.
Winning Remodeler: Project Cost of More Than $25,000
Ann's Ridge Road DreamRaleigh, North Carolina
By Quality Design & Construction Inc.
www.qdcinc.com
Call it a face lift, a rehab, or a remodel-anyway, this project is a showcase of fully explored potential. The remodeler fluidly incorporated universal-design elements into an already existing structure.
"Curb-less" shower stalls and all-base cabinetry transformed this bland duplex into a fully accessible single-family house.
Winning Developer: Up to 250 Units
Troy GardensMadison, Wisconsin
By Madison Area Community Land Trust
www.affordablehome.org
This developer combined an environmental-preservation effort with 360-degree, ground-up, user-friendly design in housing. When Wisconsin decided to sell 31 acres of land, residents banded together to prevent overdevelopment. The result was an outstanding multi-use community with affordable housing (20 units are at affordable housing rates, permanently) and apartments built to meet the highest accessibility standards. Bonus: Residents can bike into town or take a bus that stops nearby.
Before construction, the Land Trust sought buyers with disabilities in order to adapt the designs to suit their specific needs. All units are wheelchair-ready and all primary pathways are wheelchair-accessible.
Winning Developer: More Than 250 Units
CollegeTown at West EndAtlanta, Georgia
By The Integral Group
www.collegetownwe.com
Here's a community with small-town charm. Many of the apartment and townhouse rentals and single-family homes accommodate the accessibility requirements of older and special-needs residents. Homes are clustered around a hotel and shops. All this, and the community has proximity to the cultural attractions of Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University.
Because it is built for older adults, the design incorporates functional details — such "livable" features as handrails in the hallways and elevators at each end. Bathrooms feature grab bars. And an exercise room and worship center ensures strong bodies and minds.
