AARP ADU Design Challenge
North Adams, MA – June 18, 2025 — The North Adams Partnership is proud to announce it has been awarded a competitive grant from AARP to launch an innovative Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Challenge, which aims to address the critical housing needs of North Adams’ growing population of residents over the age of 55, who now make up more than 38% of the city’s population.
Rooted in the city’s manufacturing heritage and committed to preserving its vibrant community fabric, this project comes at a pivotal time. With more than half of North Adams’ housing stock built before 1940 and limited new construction in recent years, older homeowners face few options when it comes to downsizing without leaving their neighborhoods and social networks.
In response to these challenges, and in light of the recently enacted Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act—which allows ADUs by-right on single-family zoned properties—the North Adams Partnership and a growing coalition of older housing advocates are inviting students, builders, design enthusiasts, and creative professionals to submit design proposals for small, efficient, and code-compliant ADUs.
The challenge will be guided by a selection committee made up of residents aged 55 and older, who will work alongside city officials to set design parameters that align with zoning and building code requirements. The top three winning designs will receive a commission and be made publicly available, free of charge. These open-source designs will empower homeowners with accessible plans and clear guidance, removing barriers to ADU construction and simplifying what is often an overwhelming process.
“With the support of AARP, we are exploring housing solutions that are not only senior-friendly, but community-driven,” said Jenny Wright, Executive Director of the North Adams Partnership. “This project elevates the voices and talents of our older residents while directly addressing the housing shortage impacting this very population.”
The project also taps into the energy and expertise of North Adams’ older adult volunteers, many of whom bring decades of experience in fields like healthcare, city planning, public service, and education. These volunteers will help manage and promote the challenge, liaise with City Hall, and share progress and educational materials at community events.
“I’m so excited to be part of this ADU design challenge—this is exactly the kind of creative, community-powered effort we need right now,” said North Adams resident Alice Bojanowski, a retired city planner. “North Adams is a city of doers and creative problem-solvers, and this project is a perfect example of how we can all come together to design real solutions for our neighbors. Our older residents deserve options that let us stay connected and independent, and I can’t wait to see the ideas that come out of this.”
The ADU Design challenge is a model for how small cities can harness policy change, intergenerational expertise, and creative collaboration to create age-friendly communities. By empowering residents to age in place safely and comfortably, this initiative paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable North Adams.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Jenny Wright
Executive Director
North Adams Partnership
Email: jenny@northadamspartnership.org
Phone: (413) 770-8476
Website:www.northadamspartnership.org
