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Four Honored for 2008 AARP-NAHB ‘Livable Communities’
 Four winners ― a remodeler in Brea, Calif.; a builder in Tampa, Fla.; and developers in Bainbridge Island, Wash. and Winooski, Vt.— were recently named the 2008 recipients of the Livable Community Awards. The winners will be honored in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 10.
The awards, co-sponsored by AARP and NAHB, were created to shine a spotlight on builders, remodelers and developers who build homes and communities with features that improve everyday comfort, safety and personal independence for those who live in them.
“The winners of the 2008 Livable Communities Awards have clearly taken note of the increasing demand for more accessible, livable homes and communities, and are on the leading edge of change,” said NAHB Chairman Sandy Dunn. “The trend-setting homes and communities we honor with the 2008 Livable Communities Awards meet the demands of both today's and tomorrow’s home owners by combining easy living with inviting design.”
“The 2008 Livable Communities Award winners offer some great examples of appealing, user-friendly design,” said Elinor Ginzler, AARP senior vice president. “The sheer number of boomers will increase demand for a whole variety of home and community options.” The number of persons 65 and older is expected to grow to 70 million by 2030.
The winners were:
- Interior Design Details for the Rathburn residence in Brea
Category: Remodeling project more than $75,000
This remodeled home was designed for a woman who had limited mobility. Interior Design Details built archways and widened doorways and installed automation and sensor units. The remodel also included slip-resistant interior floors, lever door handles, dimmer light switches, granite countertops and more.
- New Millennial Homes for the Freedom Home in Tampa
Category: Home up to 2,500 square feet
New Millennial Homes designed and built an affordable home that met ADA design standards and included VA and Fair Housing Act features. The home also included Energy Star-rated appliances, state-of-the-art insulation and other measures to reduce utility costs.
- Bainbridge Projects LLC for Vinyard Lane in Bainbridge Island
Category: Development of up to 250 units
Bainbridge Projects turned a former vineyard on four aces in Bainbridge Island into an innovative, livable, 45-unit condominium community. The property features rustic, well-lit cobblestone walkways, extensive elevator access, oversize windows, level front entrances, a coffee house and numerous public patios.
- HallKeen/The Braverman Company for Winooski Falls in Winooski
Category: Development of more than 250 units
Located in northwestern Vermont, Winooski Falls provides residents with a sense of small-town community life for its residents and features convenient proximity to a riverfront walkway, many public transportation options, downtown Burlington, countless shops, restaurants, two college/university campuses and the largest hospital in the state. The community offers energy-efficient, universally-designed and affordable units.
The winners will be featured in "AARP The Magazine" and upcoming issues of Nation's Building News. For more information, and to see photos and video clips of the winning projects, visit www.aarp.org/livablecommunitiesaward.
Judging criteria varied from category to category, but points were awarded based on universal design features, ease of maintenance, energy efficiency, exterior desisign and landscaping/site design, Livable Community design features and stakeholder involvement.
 Revolutionize Your Thinking About 50+ Housing
Plan to attend the 2009 Building for Boomers and Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium on April 27-29 in Philadelphia and revolutionize thinking and working in the 50+ housing market.
The symposium includes information and educational sessions covering all aspects of the 50+ market, as well as a special housing tour of 50+ communities in the greater Philadelphia area.
For more information and to sign up to be notified when registration opens, visit www.nahb.org/Build4Boomers.
 Improve Your Focus on the 50+ Market With Publications From BuilderBooks.com
The 50+ market provides some great opportunities for builders today. BuilderBooks.com brings together the essential resources for builders seeking to grow their businesses while bringing high-quality product to this demanding, often affluent consumer group that has planned well and is ready to build or buy.
BuilderBooks.com also offers publications on customer service so builders can start building strong relationships before breaking ground and turn these experienced consumers into enthusiastic sales people.
To view or purchase these and a wide variety of industry publications online, click here or call 800-223-2665.
 CAASH in on Boomer Buyers
The Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH) designation gives housing professionals serving the rapidly burgeoning 50+ market the essential knowledge, tools and skills that will help them succeed — from conducting initial research to design considerations and features to serving the customer.
Find upcoming CAASH classes by clicking here.
For more information, call the Professional Designation Help Line at 800-368-5242 x8154 or e-mail CAASHinfo@nahb.com.
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