Tuesday morning the Greater Prince William Coalition on Universal Design marked the official opening of the Universal Design Demonstration House in Bristow, VA with a dedication ceremony and open house with free tours.

Leon Harper, M.A., CAPS, Chairman of the Greater Prince William Coalition on Housing and Universal Design, gave a benediction address and opening remarks for the ceremony.  Harper said, “This is just a beginning of a revolution so people can live in independence for the rest of their lives.“

At the open house, the Board of County Supervisors presented the Coalition, Centex Homes and Devereaux & Associates with a commendation for bringing this demonstration house to fruition. Wally Covington, Prince William Board of County Supervisors- Brentsville District, further commented, “The time has come. Prince William County is proud to showcase this home. It represents progressive thinking and allows families to spend more time together.”

The house was created to show potential homeowners features which allow individuals to be more comfortable and safe in their homes throughout the course of their lifetime.

Features include wider entry ways with ramps at both the front and garage entrances for wheel chair or stroller access; wider hallways and stairways; tub seats and roll up counters and sinks; and an elevator shaft for when that is necessary to build into the home. This house allows people of all ages to live independently by increasing usability and access.

A house built with Universal Design features is adaptable and will meet the lifestyle needs of active families as they change over time. The design will also satisfy the growing desire of adults to stay in their home after retirement and age in place

The house is located at 10616 Poagues Battery Drive in Bristow, VA. Tours are free to the public. Interested groups are welcome to have meetings at the house. For special arrangements or more information, call 703-792-6400, or visit the Web site at www.pwcgov.org/ud.

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