‘Accessible for everyone’
Homebuilder bets on aging-in-place, universal design with spec homes
Homebuilders haven’t exactly embraced aging-in-place or universal design, but one metro-area company is sold on accessibility and is ready to sell it to homebuyers. h And the architect who made it happen is trying to sell other builders on it.
It’s been a hard sell. Accessibility has been a topic of growing importance locally for some time, as baby boomers gray, but builders have been reluctant because they’re afraid buyers will balk at any extra expense.
Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods, emboldened by the vision of architect David Boeck, is venturing into what is now a niche market and is building accessible homes in Norman, Moore and Stillwater.
Boeck’s dream is to make it mainstream.
Aging-in-place for one; universal design for all
Aging-in-place is usually marketed to aging homeowners and people needing specific home modifications, and involves modifications that can be noticeable.
Universal design is marketed to all homebuyers, aims for ease of use for anyone in a home; and has features that are transparent.
For Ideal Homes, it started when Boeck, an associate professor of architecture at the University of Oklahoma, approached CEO and co-founder Vernon McKown last year with some ideas. Boeck emphasized affordability, as well as accessibility.
McKown and team were receptive to the ideas, which came as Norman was starting to consider a “visitability ordinance.” The ordinance, which went into effect Aug. 1, gives builders tax rebates for incorporating accessibility features into new homes.
Ideal Homes bets: ‘If you build it, they will come’
Ideal has sold just one so far, in Norman, and others are still under construction on speculation, meaning they