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The Heartland REALTOR® Organization has partnered with the city of Woodstock, Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 and Illinois REALTORS® to educate community members about the multigenerational benefits of universal design and building.
Beginning in the fall, the school district’s building trades classroom program will begin working on a model home using design elements that will help homeowners independently age in place. Upon completion, the home will be used as a national model and tours will focus on its design features.
“REALTORS® champion universal design planning because the features are helpful in multigenerational households and can anticipate homeowners’ changing needs and abilities,” said Neeley Erickson, Illinois REALTORS® Local Governmental Affairs Director. “These designs allow homeowners to enjoy an independent lifestyle and avoid the expense of premature relocation to care facilities.”
Examples of construction options attractive and beneficial to people of all ages, physical and cognitive abilities include:
- One-floor living,
- Easy access doors and windows,
- Convenient outlet and light switch placement,
- Smart home technology,
- Easy access storage and
- Flooring features that reduce tripping hazards.
Heartland representatives secured professional guidance from Richard Duncan of RL Mace Universal Design Institute, a national leader in architectural planning. Duncan will offer hands-on advice to project architects, students, faculty members and city staff throughout the period to design and build this model prototype, Erickson said.
Thanks to the cooperation between Heartland members, Illinois REALTORS® and Erickson, the project qualified for a $15,000 housing opportunity grant from the National Association of REALTORS®, said Erickson.
Based on the collaborative efforts and interest in this project, the Chicagoland Metropolitan Mayors Caucus will host an educational event this fall in partnership with AARP’s National Livable Communities to emphasize the growing market demand for universal design elements, she said. In addition, as communities and developers address housing inventory shortages, REALTORS® will encourage mixed use of these design features.
