Dear Friends, Colleagues, Members of the Aging Network and Civic Minded Associates:
The Universal Design Coalition has come of Age! We have in this past year created our own 501c3 structure and been accepted onto the roster of approved charitable organizations by the Sarasota Community Foundation Giving Challenge.
Most Importantly we are close to seeing our dream of a demonstration model home come to fruition. The owners of the signature Victorian replica Albritton home located at the corner of Proctor and Honore have gifted us the opportunity of a long-term lease of this property.
We have now launched our fund raising and membership campaign to make the modifications necessary to bring the house up to Universal Design (accessibility) standards.
We will be using this home as a place to showcase products to make it possible for mature people to age in place and those with mobility or disability challenges to live at home safely. In addition, we will host educational classes and seminars and hold special events in this stunningly beautiful home.
Real Estate – June 11, 2017
Albritton Mansion Could Become Showcase for Universal Design
Article by Harold Bubil (June 11, 2017)
Real Estate Editor
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Click Here for Printable Article
UDC Model Home Founders Breakfast
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Universal Design Coalition — Model Home Founders Breakfast
Participants joined us as guests to learn more about an opportunity to be part of a unique experience at a breakfast on Friday, June 30, at 8:30 a.m. at The Francis on Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota.
The event was hosted by the Universal Design Coalition and sponsored by Nancy Schlossberg, Ed.D, author of “Too Young to be Old: Love, Learn, Work and Play as You Age,” recently featured in Money magazine.
The audience learned about an amazing opportunity to put Sarasota on the map as the home of a one-of-a-kind demonstration and educational facility showcasing the best of Universal Design.
We have been given the option to utilize a Sarasota landmark, a beautiful Victorian home that can be used for educational and real-life laboratory purposes. This showcase model home will feature Universal Design solutions for accessible housing. Safety and convenience for all ages become the overriding goals. Aptly phrased “From Stroller to Roller,” Universal Design allows all people who live there the ability to adapt, stay in one’s home, and age in place,” even if there are mobility challenges.
Time is short, though, or the opportunity will be lost, as owners are scheduled to demolish the home this fall. This beautiful home of Victorian splendor deserves to be saved and repurposed!
Universal Design is the strongest emerging trend in the housing and health care arena. That is why we invited participants to be part of this life-changing, learning, and living model home project.
John McCarthy, Executive Director of Historic Spanish Point, lead this program to share our vision with community leaders, trailblazers, and innovators, to explore how we can work together to create an asset that contributes to understanding and implementing design for all ages. This home will merit and earn national attention as a destination site for our community.
Click Here for NEW WRINKLES: A Dream Home for Converts to Universal Design. By Barbara Peters Smith, Health & Fitness Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Click Here for NEW WRINKLES: Beyond Universal Design, to Our Personal Whims. By Barbara Peters Smith, Health & Fitness Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Click Here for AGING: For Old Folks at Home, Remodeling is in Order. By Paula Span, The New York Times
Click Here to learn more about becoming a Member of the Universal Design Coalition.
Click Here for more information and pictures of the UD Model Home.
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