Improper designs in violation of the Fair Housing Act caused developer Glenwood Management to accept $950,000 in fines in a settlement with the Manhattan U.S. attorney in February.
Prosecutors said at least three of Glenwood’s buildings have scores of inaccessible features, such as thresholds and mailboxes out of reach of those in wheelchairs. The settlement also requires Glenwood to retrofit buildings to bring them into compliance with FHA rules and inspect six other structures for possible violations.
While these types of violations are rare, particularly when experienced architects and engineers are involved, the complexity of FHA and other regulations make it risky for developers to hire newbies, some designers say. A New Jersey architect told Construction Dive that if the architect or engineer doesn’t come from a background of designing multifamily housing, some of the requirements could be overlooked.
Accessibility regulations are particularly complex, governing several building attributes such as entrances, common areas, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Related Stories
| Jul 9, 2012
Modular Construction Delivers Model for New York Housing in Record Time
A 65-unit supportive housing facility in Brooklyn, N.Y., was completed in record time using modular construction with six stories set in just 12 days.
| Jul 9, 2012
Oakdale, Calif., Heritage Oaks Senior Apartments opens
New complex highlights senior preferences for amenities.
| Jun 1, 2012
New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available
By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.
| May 31, 2012
2011 Reconstruction Awards Profile: Ka Makani Community Center
An abandoned historic structure gains a new life as the focal point of a legendary military district in Hawaii.
| May 29, 2012
Reconstruction Awards Entry Information
Download a PDF of the Entry Information at the bottom of this page.
| May 24, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Awards Entry Form
Download a PDF of the Entry Form at the bottom of this page.
| May 2, 2012
Building Team completes two additions at UCLA
New student housing buildings are part of UCLA’s Northwest Campus Student Housing In-Fill Project.
| May 2, 2012
Public housing can incorporate sustainable design
Sustainable design achievable without having to add significant cost; owner and residents reap benefits
| Apr 27, 2012
GreenExpo365.com to offer webinars on EPA’s WaterSense Program
Architects and builders interested in developing water-efficient buildings invited to attend free sessions featuring experts discussing water-efficient building practices.
