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
Multifamily Housing | Aug 10, 2021
A long-gestating apartment building finally gets underway in Long Beach, Calif.
Broadstone Promenade will add another piece to the city’s downtown lifestyle.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 9, 2021
Eden House residential development will rise 16 stories in Nashville
Gresham Smith designed the project.
| Aug 8, 2021
Furniture installation lends a 'hospitality feel' to a new apartment community in Colorado Springs
Furniture Solutions Group procured the furniture, window treatments, artwork, and accessories for the Mae on Cascade apartments in Colorado Springs.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 1, 2021
An aging public housing complex in L.A. is being redeveloped
The city and county are grappling with an escalating homeless crisis
Multifamily Housing | Jul 30, 2021
Multifamily housing for a post-COVID world
A trio of multifamily design experts presents concepts for post-pandemic apartment developments.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 28, 2021
158-unit multifamily complex set to begin construction in D.C.’s Logan Circle
Hickok Cole is the project architect.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 28, 2021
158-unit multifamily complex set to begin construction in D.C.’s Logan Circle
Hickok Cole is the project architect.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2021
New report predicts double-digit multifamily delivery rebound in 2021
Yardi Matrix also foresees rent inflation “persisting” in some metros for months ahead.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2021
Call for submissions: ‘Affordable Housing Projects' Cover Story
MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction is looking for the best new "affordable housing" communities for the Fall Issue 2021.
