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Citymakery (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Design Competitions
└ Housing Design Competitions
San Antonio needed affordable housing options for older adults, but residents lacked awareness of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Citymakery launched an outreach campaign with an informational video and a design competition, drawing 275 submissions and engaging families and students. The effort expanded through social media and libraries, sparking citywide interest and informing plans for permit-ready ADU designs. "The design process let me reflect on caring for my grandfather," said one winner, showing how the initiative connected housing solutions to real family needs.
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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See More Projects Like This One
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.
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: An aging-in-place guide and video will be created from proven housing examples. The materials will help neighborhoods explore local housing pathways.
Miami-Dade County, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Miami's housing shortage leaves older adults with few affordable and accessible options. To address this, the project launched a design competition and partnered with architects, universities and health agencies to create ADU plans that prioritize affordability, sustainability and accessibility. Public charrettes and exhibitions showcased innovative designs for multigenerational living. These efforts sparked ideas for aging-in-place housing and will lead to free online plans, helping homeowners add ADUs without costly design work and promoting long-term solutions for inclusive housing.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
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San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Palomino Park offers older adults living in San Antonio's South Side a no-cost space to exercise. To help residents stay fit, the Alamo Colleges Foundation created a fitness trail by installing 12 pieces of fitness equipment along the park's walking loop. To shield visitors from the sun and allow them to exercise in the summer heat, volunteers also added a shade structure. Today, the park hosts fitness activities, including yoga sessions, lessons on proper stretching techniques and nutrition training. To reach more people, the sessions are streamed online. Organizers hope the fitness trail improves community members' physical and mental health for years to come.
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