AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Rock Falls, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Blackhawk Hills Regional Council sought to address the need for practical housing designs that support multigenerational living and accessibility in rural communities. Their regional design competition drew 11 submissions judged on universal design, affordability and flexible layouts that help older adults and families live together comfortably. Most entries incorporated strong accessibility features, giving residents and leaders clear examples of how modern housing concepts can be built. Public voting helped introduce these ideas across the region. The project produced a library of designs that BHRC will exhibit in 2026 and explore for construction, offering a roadmap for future builds and local adoption.
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.
Fresno, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs and limited multigenerational options in Fresno leave older adults with few affordable choices. To address this, the organization launched an ADU design competition, engaging professionals and students to create sustainable, accessible concepts. Designs were showcased at a public expo with educational materials on permitting and a permanent resource webpage. The effort sparked regional dialogue and plans for a spring roundtable on affordability.
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.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Maine State Office
53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States