Dennis Smith - Owner/Developer Dennis Smith - Owner & Developer Cell 715-558-1711 Home 715-634-6735 Office 715-634-6860 email:   dennis@appleawards.com Par Place Vision

Par Place Condominiums & Universal Design

There is a new buzz word out there in the building industry that we need to pay attention to. It is “Universal Design”. What is universal design and how is it being used at Par Place? Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. What makes a home "universal"? It's simple. Everyone can use universal design! It doesn't matter if you are young or old. You could be short or tall, healthy or ill. You might have a disability. Or you may be a prize-winning athlete. Because of universal design, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. And that home will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change. Universal design is getting popular for three reasons.

-First, they are safer. Many of the barriers that cause accidents and falls are eliminated.
-Second, it looks nice. People with disabilities don't feel like they are settling for an institutional feeling house. And people who don't have disabilities think that universal homes look and work much better than the old models.
-Third more people want universal housing. This means that the old ways of designing homes just don't work anymore. We all want more comfort in our homes. Opening doors with arms full of groceries is as difficult at 30 as it is at 70. People live longer than they used to. More of us are living with disabilities or know someone who does and want them to feel comfortable in our homes. The traditional home that serves you well when you are healthy won't always take care of you when you break a leg or hurt your back. Younger people want a home that will take care of them when they are sick or injured. People now realize that they need homes that will grow old with them. The 82 year old still wants to live in her own home. She just needs a home that allows her to do it. That's where universal design comes in.

Par Place Condominiums is now constructing its homes with many Universal Design Features such as:

• One level living with low or no thresholds in doorways
• Wide interior doors and hallways 36” to 42”
• Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs
• Light switches with large flat panels rather than small toggle switches
• Attached & heated garage with a no step entry for easy access to your home in all seasons and weather
• A no step entryway to the home, access the out doors without steps
• Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting
• Two large full baths with handicap accessibility including a large no threshold Shower
• Energy Star Rated homes that are affordable to heat, cool & maintain
• High quality low maintenance exterior construction

At Par Place we like to think of our location and services as Universal Also. Located on a 40 acre property in the city of Hayward, there are no steep hills or grades to traverse whether driving or walking. You are close to such things as, shopping & health care. So close that you can actually walk to get your groceries & hardware. You can call the local Sawyer county transit for a quick affordable ride to your appointments or lunch at your favorite eating establishment. We also provide affordable outside maintenance for your home that will allow you to come & go as you please knowing that your investment will always be cared for & protected. We currently have one unit available priced at $159,000. Give us a call to arrange a showing or ask about details. 715-634-6860 or 715-558-1711