The winners of the 2008 Livable Communities Awards made an impression this year by focusing on universal design, green building, and affordablilty. Take a look at two of the winning projects:

Remodeler over $75,000 – Interior Design Details (for the Rathburn Residence in Brea, CA) This remodeled home was designed for a woman who suddenly developed an illness that limited her mobility. Interior Design Details built archways and widened doorways in addition to installing automation and sensor units. The client’s desire for a comfortable and usable yet beautiful remodel was certainly met through the use of slip-resistant interior floors, lever door handles, dimmer light switches, granite countertops, and much more.

Developer over 250 units – HallKeen/The Braverman Company (for Winooski Falls in Winooski, VT) This northwestern Vermont development provides residents with a real sense of small-town community and a strong identity with proximity to a riverfront walkway and many public transportation options, downtown Burlington, countless shops, restaurants, two college/university campuses and the largest hospital in the state. The community of Winooski prides itself on “smart growth” – building community while protecting the environment – offering energy-efficient, universally-designed and affordable units.   

Established in 2007 by AARP and NAHB, the Livable Communities Awards are presented annually to builders, remodelers and developers for projects that enhance the daily lives of people of all ages and abilities by incorporating:

• 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 and enhanced site design; and
• better communication with key stakeholders

Winners will be honored at a dinner in Washington, DC on December 10, 2008 and will also be featured in AARP The Magazine, the nation’s most widely circulated magazine.

View the press release here. [Return to top]