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.

North Adams, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: North Adams Partnership addressed a housing challenge facing residents age 50-plus who wanted to downsize or adapt their homes but found accessory dwelling units difficult to pursue due to cost and design complexity. The Small & Smart ADU Design Challenge translated new housing rules into practical, age-friendly design options by inviting designers and students to create concepts rooted in local conditions. Winning designs were selected through a community review process and made available to residents at no cost, lowering barriers to getting started. The project also highlighted gaps in financing and technical support and led to public panels that helped residents understand next steps. One student designer said she wanted her plan to feel welcoming, with space so residents could be comfortable having family over for holidays. The effort clarified a realistic path for older adults to age in place while modestly expanding housing choices.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Anchorage, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Anchorage's shortage of small multi-family housing with accessible units leaves older adults few options to age in place. To address this, a design competition engaged architects, builders and aging experts to create realistic plans for 2-4 unit homes with ground-floor accessibility. Designs were unveiled at public events, including a First Friday showcase that drew nearly 1,500 attendees and sparked dialogue on housing solutions. Two designs could be built under current codes, and one resident shared, "I love my mom living with us...I would always choose to have my mom live with us."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.