Two houses in one
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2006 the oldest members of the baby boom generation turned 60. The aging boomer population is now caring for elderly parents. This presents a unique challenge. How can working adults – often still raising their own families – take care of their parents as well? Jim Greenup, a local developer, has come up with a novel solution he calls multigenerational homes. “I watched my mom care for my grandmother in a duplex. They both had their own kitchens and maintained independence, but my mom was nearby when my grandmother needed help,” he said.
On the east rim of Five Mile prairie, Greenup is building Vista Ridge. In addition to upper-end family homes, he’s incorporating six multigenerational homes. These unique homes have taken the idea of a mother-in-law set-up to a new level.
As the first multigenerational home nears completion, it’s easy to see how Greenup’s own family experience has impacted the design. The house which is described as a primary residence with an accessory dwelling unit, has two entrances facing two streets. There is no backyard. Instead there are two front yards with a shared courtyard area in the middle.
The primary residence comes with a two-car garage, and the secondary residence has its own single car garage, each with a driveway.
“We’ve taken the South Hill bungalow look and added modern updates,” Greenup said. Built by Dave Largent, the great room includes a large open kitchen and dining room. Knotty alder cabinets add a burnished glow, and the granite countertops gleam.
The warm sage walls are accented with fir trimmed windows. Recessed lights add ambience.
One of the challenges of incorporating two homes is being able to use a smaller space efficiently. “Where do you put the office?” Greenup asked. His creative solution was to widen the main hallway and add a built-in desk, bookshelves and cabinets.
The primary residence has a spacious master suite with a walk-in closet and a guest room. Another feature is the absence of stairs.
A long hallway connects the two residences. “Connectivity and independence are the most important things,” Greenup said.
The secondary dwelling has its own front and side entrance for added privacy. It’s here that personal experience played a role in the home’s design.
“My mom is 84,” said Greenup. She still lives in the duplex she shared with her mother, but the home isn’t practical for her needs. “She can’t fit her walker in the bathroom. We’re going to have to completely redo it,” he said.
That’s the reason the secondary dwelling has a fully wheelchair/walker accessible bathroom with roll-in shower. The galley style kitchen is also easy to navigate. The smaller appliances take up less space and are more practical.
As the boomer generation cares for aging parents, the two-houses-in-one concept could be the wave of the future.
But for Greenup it’s personal. He hopes more families will embrace the idea of shared yet independent living space. He said, “I saw how my grandmother thrived when living with my mother and how much she added to our family.”