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The Veranda at CollegeTown Is a Safe Haven for Seniors
Recognizing the development, construction and marketing of livable homes and communities that improve the daily comfort, ease of use and safety for residents, NAHB and AARP honored five builders, remodelers and developers with the 2007 Livable Communities Awards at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. in February. CollegeTown at West End, a mixed-use, mixed-income community developed by the Integral Group in Atlanta, was one of the winners
Guidelines and applications for the 2008 Livable Communities Awards are available online. The application deadline is June 6.
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The Veranda at CollegeTown, Atlanta | Ten years ago, the Joel C. Harris Homes public housing complex in Atlanta’s West End was so blighted that it was difficult for the city and private developers to revitalize the neighborhood.
Today, the old complex is gone, replaced by CollegeTown at West End, a mixed-use, mixed-income development that has brought real energy to the University Center area of Atlanta.
A vital part of that redevelopment is The Veranda at CollegeTown, a seniors housing community offering more than 20 floor plans ― some with balconies, bay windows, Juliet balconies and other elements ― and distinguished architecture that adds to West End’s urban fabric.
CollegeTown at West End is one of five winners of the 2007 Livable Communities Awards, co-sponsored by AARP and NAHB. Developed by Atlanta-based, The Integral Group, CollegeTown at West End won in the category of best developer, more than 250 units.
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Nearby lake and pedestrian-friendly paths |
A Pedestrian-Friendly Community
CollegeTown at West EndCollegeTown at West End is pedestrian-friendly by design. The 10-foot-wide sidewalks encourage residents of the Veranda to take advantage of the amenities offered by the broader West End community and to be involved in the daily life of the neighborhood.
The development is within walking distance of several of the nation’s top historically black colleges and universities, including Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine.
Students from these schools have served as volunteers at The Veranda and have gotten involved in the residents’ lives.
The Veranda’s one- and two-bedroom apartments are designed with the needs and safety of senior residents in mind.
In addition to common conveniences, each room has emergency pull-cords in strategic locations. The Veranda complex features hallways with handrails and elevators at each end and bathrooms with grab bars.
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Library |
Amenities and Healthcare Services for 50+ Residents
On The Veranda grounds are a large library with computers, a beauty salon that caters to 50+ residents, a multipurpose room for social events and two activity rooms that include large screen televisions and game tables.
The Veranda also includes an exercise room, a worship center and a wellness center with access to the healthcare services offered through the West End Medical Center.
The affordable apartments in the Veranda were filled within three months, and the property continues to maintain a waiting list of more than 100 seniors. Its popularity illustrates the integral role The Veranda plays in the revitalization of the area.
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Exercise room | When the greater CollegeTown at West End development is completed, the community will have 650 units serving 50+ residents, multifamily apartments, 15,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 70 townhouses and single-family homes, a 100-room College Inn and housing units for special needs households.
Apply for 2008 Livable Community Awards
AARP and NAHB are now accepting applications for the 2008 awards program. Applications are due by June 6.
For more information about the Livable Communities Award, e-mail Blake Smith at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8583.
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Friendly outdoor spaces |
 Find Out What the 45+ Housing Market Wants
“Right House, Right Place, Right Time: Community and Lifestyle Preferences of the 45+ Housing Market,” available through BuilderBooks.com, will help 50+ housing professionals determine the right design, home features and amenities to attract boomer home buyers in their market.
Margaret Wylde guides readers through the latest survey results on this important consumer group and explains what their responses mean for today’s and tomorrow’s home building industry.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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