What’s hot right now in 50+ housing? Current and future trends were identified during the 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards judging held last week in Washington , D.C.

A diverse 13-member panel of 50+ housing professionals – active adult and service-enriched builders and developers, architects, researchers and sales and marketing experts – convened to select winners in more than 50 design and marketing categories.

The active adult panel recognized the following trends among the winning entries:

• Emergence of high-density projects: “With rising land prices and other factors, communities seem to be smaller with a much higher density,” said builder/developer Norman Cohen, CAASH, of NSC Residential Inc., in Atlanta . “We’re also seeing many more vertical projects than ever before.”
  
  
• Greening of active adult communities: “Green building seems to be gaining popularity,” said architect Doug Van Lerberghe of KEPHART Community ● Planning ● Architecture in Denver , the 2008 chairman of the Best of 50+ Housing Awards Committee. “Homes are much more energy-efficient, and builders are using more recycled materials and sustainable forestry products. It’s a notable change.”
  
  
• Merging of mind, body and spirit within the community’s amenities: “In the past, the focus was more on fitness and physical well-being,” said developer Chuck Covell of Covell Communities in Gaithersburg , Md. “We’re noticing a shift more towards wellness, meditation and spirituality.”
  
  
• Lifelong learning still a high priority: “Builders are giving their buyers opportunities to continue to learn by offering study rooms or linking up with nearby colleges and universities,” said developer Dick Willhoit of Estrella Associates, Inc., in Paso Robles, Calif. “This is a trend that will continue to grow.”
  
  
• Return to functionality: “Homes aren’t as large or opulent as they’ve been in the past,” said interior merchandiser Wendy Pieper, CAASH, of Builders’ Design, Inc., in Gaithersburg , Md. “While boomers are still into ‘cocooning’ and want quality, they are a little more sensible in their choices. They’re not necessarily super-sizing, and many buyers seem to be embracing the ‘not-so-big’ principles.”

The Silver Award finalists for the 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards will be announced in the April issue of 50+ Housing e/Source.

The Gold Award winners will be revealed at the Best of 50+ Housing Awards Gala coming up Tuesday, May 20, during the 2008 Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium in New Orleans . All of the finalists will be displayed on boards during the Symposium.

Register now for the Symposium and select Optional Activities to add a Best of 50+ Housing Awards gala ticket. Or click here to purchase individual or group tickets.

For more information, e-mail Lynn Basso or call her at 800-368-5242 x8130. [Return to top]