50 Plus Builder

While the term ‘Aging in Place’ could have implied limitations, designers are aiming to flip that idea to mean freedom in all stages of life. The design paradigm has shifted from reactive to proactive, and to creating spaces that seem less clinical while still achieving the goals of safety and convenience. Clearance matters, as do zones where more than one person can operate, accessible storage that’s adaptable for all ages and abilities, multiple work heights, reachability and ergonomics.

While many U.S. homeowners are facing economic pressure, renovation projects remain a priority. The How America Renovates 2026 report found that 68% of respondents reporting that their projects are for home functionality, not resale value. This comes as 42% of homeowners surveyed said that economic concerns affected their project plans, a majority of them continued rather than pausing. Despite economic headwinds, the rise is functionality is pressured by the increase in multigenerational living.

Danielian Associates, award-winning architecture and planning studio announces their recently completed project in collaboration with K. Hovnanian® Homes. This design by Danielian Associates was for the clubhouse in the  Four Seasons at the Ranch 55+ community in Rancho Cordova, Calif. Danielian Associates approached this design to be a central hub for the community. The clubhouse brings together a variety of open spaces, gathering areas and amenities that support an active adult lifestyle.

Reverie Active Adult by Dream Finders Homes announces their newest community, Reverie Music City. This new age-qualified community will include up to 218 new homes. The community is described to offer a low-maintenance lifestyle with a resort-style pool, walking trails and pickleball courts. The community also markets a major selling point to be the access to top-rated healthcare facilities. The homes are feature open-concept floor plans, flex rooms, outdoor living and energy-efficient appliances.

Designing, renovating and building a home for aging in place requires a detailed focused professional, with an eye for both aesthetics and livability. For fixtures, grip is essential. For door handles, opt for a lever over a knob. “Levered handles allow opening for people with a one-handed motion or limited grip,” said Alair Homes Hickory expert, Cody Byrd CAPS (Certified Aging In Place Specialist).

50+ Builder is a national home building and design trade publication that focuses on age qualified, residential building industry communities, renovations and single-family homes. Builder Media was established  in 1990 to publish news and content for home building, municipal, infrastructure and water management professionals. Based in Newport Beach, California the company currently publishes three b2b magazines, four newsletters and runs eight websites for industry professionals.

Rancho Mission Viejo officials today announced the opening of Gavilán Ridge, the first 55+ village in Rancho Mission Viejo, designed as a collection of five new neighborhoods featuring single-level living and offers 326 homes from Del Webb, Lennar and Tri Pointe Homes. The grand opening celebration on Jan. 11, 2026 welcomed more than 1,200 potential homebuyers. To date, 22 homes have been sold or reserved in Gavilán Ridge.

Robson Ranch Texas, a 55+ active community by Robinson Ranch Communities offers preferred guest stays for potential members. The preferred guest stay ranges from a day visit to a two night or three night stay. These discovery packages are an incredible way to reach unsure buyers and give them an immersive experience of the lifestyle, culture and amenities.

Tutera Senior Living & Health Care announced it will add 26 senior living communities to its portfolio through a strategic transaction with AlerisLife and partnership with Diversified Healthcare Trust (DHC). Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is a Kansas City-based and family-owned diversified post-acute senior health care provider. They operate 108 senior living communities in 11 states nationwide.

DJK Custom Homes finds the perfect balance between luxury and sustainability with Heritage Place Founded in 1988 by Dan and Kim Kittilsen, DJK Custom Homes has built a reputation for delivering high-performance custom residences in the Chicagoland area. The company, now managed by the Kittilsens alongside their son Kevin, specializes in luxury homes that incorporate advanced green building technologies and sustainable design principles.