2009 AARP Livable Communities Special Recognition Award

Golden Spikes Estates, under the direction of Glacier Homes of Rathdrum, Idaho, has received the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) 2009 Livable Communities Special Recognition Award. The project received the award in the category of a developer with more than 250 units. The project based in Idaho has received the award in their excellence in the three judged categories.

AARP Livable Communities Award

The AARP teams with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) each year, for the third year as of the 2009 award winners, to recognize builder, developers, and architects to award the Livable Communities Awards. The award winners are chosen from those that excel in making living conditions better for all people, regardless of background.

The winners are chosen in three categories: style, universal design, and energy efficiency. These three aspects are combined to determine the homes and neighborhoods that are desirable from around the United States.

The AARP 2009 Livable Communities Special Recognition Award for a developer with more than 250 units was given to Golden Spikes Estates, under Glacier Homes of Rathdrum, Idaho. This award winner offers a unique blend of style, universal design, and energy efficiency that has allowed it to capture this honor. Focusing on this development, these three features are blended uniquely, making Golden Spikes Estates worthy of the honor, and further analysis.

Style

The first area of consideration for the honor is found in style. Of the three areas, this is the most creative and subjective, yet it is still important to fare highly in this regard. Style adds to the overall look and feel of the development's environment, as well as the integration of features for the community to enjoy.

Golden Spikes Estates represents a lot of value in terms of style. While expressed quite well inside the homes of the development, that discussion is better suited for the next category.

Golden Spikes Estates offers a great deal of features in the amenities of their clubhouse. Located within the development, the clubhouse features over 12,000 square feet of features. Free for residents to take advantage of, there is a large banquet facility (accommodating over 200 people) and a full kitchen for many types of events. A dance floor, fireplace, big-screen televisions, and a number of rooms, such as a library, beauty salon, and movie room, are featured in the clubhouse.

Residents are also able to take advantage of indoor exercise equipment. There is an indoor pool and an exercise equipment room. For convenience, there is also a sauna, Jacuzzi, and sun deck available as well.

Furthermore, Golden Spikes Estates offers outdoor features that add to its convenient and effective design for residents. A 9 flag golf chip course at over 6 acres, an outdoor gazebo with a fire pit, and a barbeque picnic area that accommodates over 200 people are available on the premises. There is also a RV parking space with a pet park next door.

Universal Design

One important aspect developers must pay attention to is truly found in universal design. There must be standards in place that adds to the value of every unit in the community. Some of the best communities have multiple features and standards in which all of the residents can experience.

Golden Spikes Estates truly shines in this category. No steps are included on any of the properties, which is important for the active retirement community. Low step showers are also found on the properties as well.

Additional features add to the experience at Golden Spikes, and can additionally justify the reception of the honor from the AARP. Allotment prices are quoted for every residence at Golden Spikes Estates, which offers endless customization for flooring, lighting, appliance, and landscape. Gas fireplaces, garage door opener, heated driveways, and other standard features can be found on properties.

Energy Efficiency

With unpredictable energy bills, energy efficiency is a top priority for residents. The AARP realizes this and has used it to base its selections for the Livable Communities Awards.

Focusing on Golden Spikes Estates, they have received Special Recognition for their standards in energy efficiency, in addition to the other areas as previously discussed. All units come standard with the Energy Saving HVAC systems. Golden Spikes is also the only builder to use the energy heeled roof truss system as a standard on all units, which saves a great deal of energy in the summer and winter.

Insulation is also top priority at Golden Spikes Estates. High level low "E" glass vinyl windows and siding are included on units. Additionally, the ceiling (R49), walls (R21), and floors (R30) have the indicated insulation levels to prevent ice dams and lost heat.


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