BRIDGES Acquires Home in New City to Showcase Universal Design Principles - The Future of Housing

BRIDGES, a leading nonprofit Independent Living Center in West Nyack, NY, is proud to announce the acquisition of a residence at 4 Ann Street in New City, NY. This property will serve as a flagship project for the organization as it undergoes a transformation showcasing the principles of Universal Design and the impact it will have on the future of housing.

Universal Design is an approach to creating living spaces that are accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. By incorporating features such as wider doorways, no-step entryways, lever door handles, and accessible bathroom fixtures, the remodeled home will demonstrate how thoughtful design can enhance the quality of life for everyone.

“We are thrilled to embark on this project to showcase the benefits of Universal Design for everyone,” said Carlos Martinez, Executive Director of BRIDGES. “Our goal is to inspire individuals, communities, architects, builders and developers to embrace accessibility and inclusive design as essential components of everyday living. For example, thoughtful design changes mean someone with a stroller and someone in a wheelchair can both have ease of access whether they live in the home or are visiting.” Homes designed with this philosophy in mind also enable people to age in place as there are fewer barriers as someone experiences physical and even mental changes.

The remodel of the 1,300-square-foot home will be carried out in collaboration with architects, contractors, and accessibility experts including architect Robert Bernstein from BILD Architecture, Joanna Wasilewska from M4 Interiors and with support from the Idea Center in Buffalo, NY, to ensure that it meets the highest standards of Universal Design and “visitability.”

‘Visitability’ is a growing trend nationwide and refers to single-family or owner-occupied housing designed so that it can be lived in or visited by people who have trouble with steps or who use wheelchairs or walkers or have a baby in a stroller. The three components include one zero-step entrance, doors with 32 inches of clear passage space, and one bathroom on the main floor that will accommodate a wheelchair.

Upon completion of the upgrades to the home in New City, BRIDGES will host educational events, tours, and workshops to raise awareness about Universal Design and the importance in creating barrier-free environments. “We believe everyone deserves to live in a home that meets their needs and enables them to thrive,” added Martinez. “Through this project, we hope to empower individuals and builders to reimagine living spaces and embrace the principles of Universal Design so that everyone will eventually have more choices for how and where they live.”

BRIDGES invites community members, local officials, and organizations to join them in this transformative initiative. The not-for-profit is seeking contracting bids as well as contributions from companies and organizations that can help support this project including monetary donations, product and materials donations such as windows and doors, flooring, paint, cabinetry, etc., and donations of service and time through volunteerism.

For more information about BRIDGES and its Universal Design project, contact Carlos Martinez at 845-624-1366 or cmartinez@bridgesrc.org.

About BRIDGES: BRIDGES is a nonprofit Independent Living Center dedicated to promoting independence, inclusion, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Since 1988, BRIDGES has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and needs of people with disabilities in the Rockland County area. Through a range of programs and services, BRIDGES empowers individuals to live full, self-directed lives in their communities.