Too often people get depressed just at the mention of senior housing. Perhaps their only contact with the issue was a nursing home 20 years ago when frail elders were institutionalized in a hospital-like setting.
Well, that need not be the case today as demonstrated by the winners of the “Best of Seniors Housing” awards, announced recently by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The annual awards showcase outstanding seniors housing projects. And these buildings are bright, livable, safe and nice–all the things seniors and their children are looking for. The winners aren’t all high-ticket properties, either.
This year, according to Ken Rohde of the NAHB’s National Council on Seniors Housing, there were many more entries in the affordable category. He thinks this signals a willingness to meet the challenge of providing attractive housing options for those on limited budgets.
Here are some of the top projects:
– Thompson House at Riverbank Center, Danvers, Mass.
A freestanding facility designed for the deaf and deaf/blind seniors. The building has 24 one-bedroom units. The challenge was to provide independent and safe living. The development was noted for its excellent use of technological advances. In particular, flashing lights and vibrating beds were used to signal residents of a fire.
– Hadano, Tokyo. The goal of this four-building complex is to blend the cultures of East and West. The project includes Japanese baths, exercise and relaxing rooms and a large skylit swimming pool. The 400 apartments have a flexible design, using shoji screens for privacy and light control.
– Tate Mason House, Seattle.
This project was praised for its innovations in the affordable category. Located in an urban historic neighborhood in Seattle, the building has studio and one-bedroom apartments with monthly rents as low as $444. The building wraps around a large courtyard; a communal living room opens onto the courtyard.
Because the project made such good use of common space and was built on a small parcel of land, it was considered to be a possible prototype for other affordable projects.
– Rotary Valley, Terra Linda, Calif.
Homey and livable describe this development, which is part of a larger master planned community on 87 acres. The 80 independent living units are one-level and they are clustered together in cottages to create internal walkways. Residents can walk through the community without having to cross a main road. Somewhat surprisingly, this development won an award in the affordable category. Two-bedroom units rent for about $750 month.
– Youville House, Cambridge, Mass.
This property was a school that was converted into an assisted living facility. The two-story gym was turned into a four-season garden where residents can exercise and participate in hobbies. Long corridors were broken up to make the place more homey. Old industrial-type windows were replaced with residential windows. The exterior was brightened with awnings and colorful aluminum decorations.
– Springfield at Whitney Oaks, Rocklin, Calif.
This is a gated active adult community where many of the homes have mountain or valley views. The development gets praise for its good use of social, fitness and educational spaces. Of note, the extras include swimming pools, walking trails, tennis courts and a community center.
– Del Webb’s Sun City Georgetown, Georgetown, Texas.
Situated in Texas Hill Country, this community plans to have 9,500 homes on 5,300 acres. Though large, the development has been broken up into neighborhoods. Open space has been used to preserve existing oak trees. The community includes four golf courses, a full-service fire station, a medical clinic, and community center. Home prices range from $97,550 to $290,950.
– The Middletown House, Middletown, Conn.
Project manager William K. Wasch took a 100-year-old farm house and modified it for seniors. The bathroom and kitchen were remodeled to accommodate a wheelchair. Counters and appliances were altered to reduce the need for reaching and bending. The house has a second-floor care giver apartment. The project was commended for its good use of light and accessibility within a limited amount of space.
Resources
– The Chicago Department on Aging has a resource list of apartment buildings, including subsidized housing. Call 312-744-4016 for a copy.
– The Illinois Housing Development Authority publishes a list of its affordable rental buildings in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The list clearly marks developments for the elderly, along with the location, phone number, type of building and number of units. Call 800-942-8439 for a copy of the list.
– The Chicago Department of Housing has two programs to help low-income seniors with home repair. Seniors can get up to $5,000 through a program called Home Repair for Accessible and Independent Living, or H-rail. Work must involve safety, weather protection or accessibility. For information, call 312-747-8677.
The other program, Emergency Housing Assistance Program, or EHAP, is a deferred loan program for the repair of dangerous conditions. Single-family homeowners can get as much as $4,000. The money must be repaid only if the home is sold within a year of repairs. Call 312-747-8696.
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Jane Adler is a Chicago-area freelance writer. If you have questions or information to share regarding housing for senior citizens, write to Senior Housing c/o Chicago Tribune Real Estate Section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 60611. Or e-mail adler@megsinet.net
