The Green Lakes Residence in Seattle, one of four Livable Communities award winners in 2009, boasts having accessible features on all levels.

Entries in the NAHB and AARP 2010 Livable Communities Awards are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 16.

The award recognizes builders, remodelers, architects and developers for creative and unique homes and community projects that improve the daily comfort, ease and safety of their residents and highlight the critical elements needed for a livable community.

Winning entries will be honored for:

• Design elements that accommodate the needs of all residents with all levels of physical ability, from children through grandparents
• Easy access to community services and features such as retail, restaurants, medical, social and cultural activities, as well as viable transportation options
• Improved energy efficiency that reduces long-term utility costs
• Enhanced site design that enables residents of a neighborhood to commute easily to the broader community

The 2009 winners included the Eskaton National Demonstration Home in Roseville, Calif.; Green Lake Residence in Seattle; NorthCenter Senior Campus in Chicago; and the North Morningside Craftsman home in Atlanta.

To apply, or for more information about the Livable Communities Award, visit www.nahb.org/livablecommunities; or e-mail Blake Smith at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8583.