Stabilizing Neighborhoods with Universal Design

The City of Euclid, Ohio, has put Universal Design into their Housing and Urban Development (HUD’s) $47 million Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Euclid, an inner ring suburb of Cleveland, has received funds to renovate abandoned and foreclosed homes, addressing the current housing crisis, by taking the unique decision to renovate its one-story homes into fully accessible dwellings.

The use of universal design was inspired by a Euclid resident who had modified her home to meet her needs. At a public meeting about the NSP program, she suggested that the city consider converting some of the homes into accessible units . The City was quick to see the value in this concept, and has moved ahead in its effort to utilize universal design principles in the renovation of the local NSP ranch homes, spearheaded by Director of Neighborhood Programs Martin Castiletti. He sees the social importance of providing housing for all, while distinguishing Euclid in its efforts.

The first renovation project is a 1950s brick home, located on a quiet cul-de-sac on Euclid’s east side. Cleveland architect Sally Levine, AIA, LEED AP, has embraced the challenge of respecting the neighborhood context while creating an inviting and accessible environment for future residents. Castiletti said, “Working with Sally, we have found innovative ways to seamlessly insert accessible features while enhancing the overall appeal of the home.”

The most visible change in the appearance of the first project is the new entry addition. This entry addresses accessibility, sustainability and basic architectural and user needs. The entry sequence begins when one pulls into the driveway. Crossing the stained concrete walkway toward the front door, individuals are protected from slips and falls by heater cables embedded in the concrete and protected from snow and rain by an overhead canopy. The roof of the addition slopes toward the canopy, which in turn, drains storm water into downspouts that feed the exterior planter-wall that defines the entrance. The addition itself is a vestibule to the house. In its original configuration, one crossed the threshold of the front door and was immediately in the living room – there was no transitional space. The large new vestibule includes an indoor planter, a bench and a coat closet; and by definition, the vestibule creates an air pocket between the exterior and interior of the home, protecting it from wasteful air exchange throughout the year.

Once inside the home, many of the modifications are ubiquitous. Deep colored cork flooring in the living room exudes warmth, plus it is easy to navigate for everyone (whether walking or using a wheelchair or a walker). A new partial divider between the living and dining rooms features a shelving/entertainment unit that creates a focal point for the space as well as easy-to-reach storage. Similarly, the partial wall between the dining room and the kitchen has been replaced with a multi-level unit that includes plenty of knee space below a build-in counter as well as below-counter cabinets.

New energy efficient sliding windows have easy-to-operate controls. The kitchen features all user-friendly appliances – side-by-side refrigerator, stove with front dials, shallow sink w/lever-handle faucet. The bathrooms have roll-in showers, wall-hung lavatories with protective covering over the pipes, and low-flow, comfort height toilets. The medicine cabinets are located on the walls adjacent to the lavatory sinks, avoiding the need to reach over the sinks. Closet doors are hung on barn door hardware, making the doors easy to open and close while adding visual interest to the bedrooms. The hallway in the bedroom area has been widened and the linen closet is replaced w/a pull-out shelf unit for easier access.

Architect Levine says, “It is more than just the selection of accessible products, but the way those products are designed within the overall composition.” Each element meets multiple criteria: accessibility, sustainability, affordability and aesthetics. It’s a tall order, but with careful planning, these goals are being met. In the end, the City of Euclid hopes that when prospective buyers visit the house, they will find a place they want to call home. She also commented on the challenge of finding appropriate accessible products. “HUD requires that all products used in these NSP homes be manufactured by American companies; yet, many of the most accessible and affordable products are produced in other countries, particularly Canada and Japan. Perhaps American manufacturers can take note of this missed opportunity.”

Renderings of Planned Changes

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