| Golden Spikes Estates, under the direction of Glacier | | | | Residents are also able to take advantage of indoor |
| Homes of Rathdrum, Idaho, has received the | | | | exercise equipment. There is an indoor pool and an |
| American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) | | | | exercise equipment room. For convenience, there is |
| 2009 Livable Communities Special Recognition Award. | | | | also a sauna, Jacuzzi, and sun deck available as well. |
| The project received the award in the category of a | | | | Furthermore, Golden Spikes Estates offers outdoor |
| developer with more than 250 units. The project | | | | features that add to its convenient and effective |
| based in Idaho has received the award in their | | | | design for residents. A 9 flag golf chip course at over |
| excellence in the three judged categories. | | | | 6 acres, an outdoor gazebo with a fire pit, and a |
| AARP Livable Communities Award | | | | barbeque picnic area that accommodates over 200 |
| The AARP teams with the National Association of | | | | people are available on the premises. There is also a |
| Home Builders (NAHB) each year, for the third year | | | | RV parking space with a pet park next door. |
| as of the 2009 award winners, to recognize builder, | | | | Universal Design |
| developers, and architects to award the Livable | | | | One important aspect developers must pay attention |
| Communities Awards. The award winners are chosen | | | | to is truly found in universal design. There must be |
| from those that excel in making living conditions | | | | standards in place that adds to the value of every |
| better for all people, regardless of background. | | | | unit in the community. Some of the best communities |
| The winners are chosen in three categories: style, | | | | have multiple features and standards in which all of |
| universal design, and energy efficiency. These three | | | | the residents can experience. |
| aspects are combined to determine the homes and | | | | Golden Spikes Estates truly shines in this category. |
| neighborhoods that are desirable from around the | | | | No steps are included on any of the properties, which |
| United States. | | | | is important for the active retirement community. |
| The AARP 2009 Livable Communities Special | | | | Low step showers are also found on the properties |
| Recognition Award for a developer with more than | | | | as well. |
| 250 units was given to Golden Spikes Estates, under | | | | Additional features add to the experience at Golden |
| Glacier Homes of Rathdrum, Idaho. This award winner | | | | Spikes, and can additionally justify the reception of |
| offers a unique blend of style, universal design, and | | | | the honor from the AARP. Allotment prices are |
| energy efficiency that has allowed it to capture this | | | | quoted for every residence at Golden Spikes |
| honor. Focusing on this development, these three | | | | Estates, which offers endless customization for |
| features are blended uniquely, making Golden Spikes | | | | flooring, lighting, appliance, and landscape. Gas |
| Estates worthy of the honor, and further analysis. | | | | fireplaces, garage door opener, heated driveways, |
| Style | | | | and other standard features can be found on |
| The first area of consideration for the honor is found | | | | properties. |
| in style. Of the three areas, this is the most creative | | | | Energy Efficiency |
| and subjective, yet it is still important to fare highly in | | | | With unpredictable energy bills, energy efficiency is a |
| this regard. Style adds to the overall look and feel of | | | | top priority for residents. The AARP realizes this and |
| the development's environment, as well as the | | | | has used it to base its selections for the Livable |
| integration of features for the community to enjoy. | | | | Communities Awards. |
| Golden Spikes Estates represents a lot of value in | | | | Focusing on Golden Spikes Estates, they have |
| terms of style. While expressed quite well inside the | | | | received Special Recognition for their standards in |
| homes of the development, that discussion is better | | | | energy efficiency, in addition to the other areas as |
| suited for the next category. | | | | previously discussed. All units come standard with the |
| Golden Spikes Estates offers a great deal of | | | | Energy Saving HVAC systems. Golden Spikes is also |
| features in the amenities of their clubhouse. Located | | | | the only builder to use the energy heeled roof truss |
| within the development, the clubhouse features over | | | | system as a standard on all units, which saves a |
| 12,000 square feet of features. Free for residents to | | | | great deal of energy in the summer and winter. |
| take advantage of, there is a large banquet facility | | | | Insulation is also top priority at Golden Spikes Estates. |
| (accommodating over 200 people) and a full kitchen | | | | High level low "E" glass vinyl windows and siding are |
| for many types of events. A dance floor, fireplace, | | | | included on units. Additionally, the ceiling (R49), walls |
| big-screen televisions, and a number of rooms, such | | | | (R21), and floors (R30) have the indicated insulation |
| as a library, beauty salon, and movie room, are | | | | levels to prevent ice dams and lost heat. |
| featured in the clubhouse. | | | | |