PLANS TO transform a 31-acre parcel of land 6 miles from downtown Madison, Wis., into a mixed-income housing community began in 1995. The past 13 years haven't been spent in vain. After years of fundraising and development work, Madison Area Community Land Trust purchased the property from the state of Wisconsin, leased 26 acres to Friends of Troy Gardens—a local long-time steward of natural areas—and built a 30-unit mixed-income townhome community with 20 affordable units. Two- and three-bedroom units, which were completed in 2007, sold for a base market-rate price of $149,500 to $189,500; the same units were sold to income-restricted buyers for $109,500 and $139,500, respectively.
The open space houses an organic farm, community gardens, a prairie, and a wildlife habitat that includes a wide variety of animals such as deer, rabbits, multiple species of birds, and snakes. The goal was to create a community where anyone could live and everyone would be welcome. Plus, a co-housing setup allows residents to actively participate in the design and operation of the neighborhoods.
The sleek, barrier-free design and accessible features earned Troy Gardens a 2007 Livable Communities award from the National Association of Home Builders for creating user-friendly homes appropriate for all ages and abilities.
Not shown in the photos below are additional accessible features:
- Multiple wheelchair-accessible entrances are offered in two-thirds of the units.
- Removable bathroom cabinets allow easier access for persons in wheelchairs.
- Residents can choose between a roll-in shower or tub with grab bars.
1. “It's always nice to see a project not only incorporate universal design features but also be environmentally sustainable,” Fletcher of the Institute for Human Centered Design says. “The overlapping emphasis on human health and well-being in green and universal design makes good sense.” In addition to the solar panels, other green features include rain gardens, Energy Star appliances, green flooring, and energy recovery ventilators.
2. The entire site is barrier-free. “Many developments of this type ignore the site aspects of accessibility and focus on the buildings,” architect Jarmel says. “This development has a fully accessible site with gardnens, paths, and recreational areas. But I do think the project misses with vertical circulation for nonambulatory individuals. Elevators and ramps within the buildings would make it easier for wheelchair-bound individuals to move throughout the homes.”Photo: Madison Area Community Land Trust
3. A bench at the bus stop located at the project's entrance (not shown) offers a space on each side for wheelchairs to park.
Credit: Madison Area Community Land Trust
4. The two-story units offer a full bath and a bedroom on the first floor, which exceeds accessibility requirements, as fair housing laws do not apply to multi-story townhomes. This allows wheelchair-bound residents to visit friends in neighboring units and lets a caretaker live upstairs. The flexible layout also allows residents to age in place and relocate from the upstairs bedroom to the downstairs one, if needed.
5. Hardwood flooring is more user-friendly for wheelchair users than carpeting, which creates considerable resistance for wheeled devices.
Credit: Madison Area Community Land Trust
6. Developers don't always give enough thought to kitchen appliances, the experts say. Here, the smooth-top ranges are ideal for residents with autism and other cognitive impairments. Front-mounted controls are available by request.