AARP ND launches missing middle housing design competition in Fargo

Like many cities, Fargo faces a growing population of aging adults burdened by their current homes, with few options for more suitable housing. Many older adults live in homes that are too large, too demanding to maintain, or simply unsafe for aging. A series of sessions in Fargo in 2023 identified a need for age-friendly housing in the area, particularly for those who have financial limitations or are disadvantaged by past inequities. 

In response, AARP North Dakota and RL Mace Universal Design Institute are working closely with area design professionals such as the North Dakota State University Department of Architecture, and the City of Fargo to launch the state's first missing middle housing design competition called New Housing on the Block. This competition was organized to create affordable, aging-friendly and attainable housing in Fargo. This competition is also supported by the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

The design competition will produce several viable, buildable MMH plans with universal design elements that make them truly age-friendly. Homeowners can then hire the designer, who retains the copyright to and liability for the pre-approved plan, to prepare the site plan, obtain a building permit, and/or construct the housing. Less costly than a standard, single-family home, MMH range up to 1,500 sq. ft. and offer affordability and ease of maintenance. If designed properly, with universal and age-friendly features. MMH also allows safe and independent living for many years, helping avoid moves to expensive care settings. 

Competition details

• The MMH design competition is open to students and professionals in architecture, design and construction, as well as builders and developers. 
• Contestants are to design a duplex, triplex or cluster community. Two sites in Fargo have been chosen to serve as hypothetical locations for the proposed projects. 
  • Site A offers the opportunity for duplex or triplex. 
  • Site B offers the opportunity for a cluster development.
• Upon the completion of registration, participants will receive additional information on the competition and age-friendly design requirements. 
• Registration is required and no fee is included; registration closes Aug. 31.
• Competition closes on Oct. 4.
• A panel of judges from the architecture and construction fields will select the the winners. 
• A total of $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winning design entries and will be announced in November.

To register as a contestant, click here. 

To learn more about the competition, click here. 

For any questions or concerns, contact Marnie Piehl, AARP ND communications director at 701-391-6534 or at mpiehl@aarp.org.