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American Institute of Architects Maine (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Design Competitions
└ Housing Design Competitions
AIA Maine saw that many residents living in older homes needed clearer ways to plan for safe aging in place. Limited affordable options and uncertainty about how to adapt homes made it hard for people to understand their choices. The group hosted webinars on adaptable housing, aging in place and multigenerational design, then used its 207 HOME competition to surface practical ideas for one floor living and flexible layouts. Seventeen submissions highlighted ways older adults could remain safely housed while staying connected to their communities. A traveling exhibit will bring these examples to public venues and expand awareness. The competition also strengthened conversations with state partners about the housing needs of older adults. One collaborative team designed a series of small ADU style units to support shared living, and their enthusiasm reflected the value of generating ideas that can shape future policy and design.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs in Lihue left older adults and families struggling for affordable options. Better Block Hawaii hosted a design competition for climate-resilient, age-friendly accessory dwelling units, engaging residents through workshops and a review committee. Eight submissions were received, and winning designs were published in a free booklet to guide future builds. "This is a home I can imagine living in," said one attendee at the community open house. The project raised awareness of ADUs as a practical solution for housing and supplemental income and sparked interest in similar efforts across Hawaii.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Louisville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Louisville faced high costs and delays for Accessory Dwelling Units, limiting housing options for older adults. To remove these barriers, the city purchased three sets of pre-approved ADU plans and posted them online for free, cutting costs and streamlining permits. The plans include universal design features and options for different lot sizes, making ADUs more accessible for families seeking multi-generational living or supplemental income. The effort has already led to permit approvals and is expected to expand housing choices for aging in place. "People are always looking for opportunities for generational wealth... it's a wonderful opportunity for the city," said one supporter.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hamilton, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Many older adults in New Jersey want to remain in their communities but face a shortage of housing that is affordable, accessible and suited to changing mobility needs. Much of the state's housing stock is older and multi story, limiting realistic options for residents who want to downsize or age in place. New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well addressed this challenge by hosting a statewide housing design competition focused on practical, age-friendly models, including accessory dwelling units, single family and multi family homes. A volunteer panel of architects and housing experts reviewed submissions and selected winning designs that demonstrated how accessibility and affordability could be achieved within existing communities. The resulting report provided concrete examples that communities could use in local discussions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Augusta, Bangor and Westbrook, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: To increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine held a series of short-term traffic calming demonstrations in Bangor, North Yarmouth and Bangor. The pop-up installations increased the visibility of crosswalks and shortened crossing distances with simple, cost-effective tools. The Coalition deployed flexible lane delineators and pedestrian-crossing signs. They also painted pedestrian landings at crosswalks and added shared-lane markings -- called sharrows -- to street pavement. To gage the effectiveness of these activities, the organization collected survey responses and traffic data, which showed that traffic speeds decreased and pedestrians appreciated it. Project organizers say the demonstrations helped prove to municipal leaders that streets are for people -- not just people in cars -- and improving safety is possible without complex, expensive road construction.
Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Social isolation and cost barriers limited opportunities for connection in Portland's downtown. Friends of Congress Square Park introduced weekly chess meetups, a month-long badminton series and an open disc golf session, creating inclusive spaces for play and conversation. These activities drew older adults and neighbors together, breaking down social barriers and fostering community ties. Organizers plan to continue the programs, noting that participants enjoyed "meeting others through play."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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