By Bill Herrfeldt
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Gopal Ahluwalia, vice president of research for the National Association of Home Builders, knows that the predilection for twostory living is becoming a less popular choice with each passing year.

“The shift in tastes was especially apparent during the 1990s. While once a large majority of Americans opted for a traditional twostory place, only 35 percent of homebuyers do so now,” says Ahluwalia. Currently, 52 percent favor one-story housing, while 13 percent like split-level homes best.

Two key reasons for the change: People have begun to realize the convenience of having everything on one floor. Also, an aging U.S. population finds it increasingly difficult to mount stairs — or expects to have trouble doing so in the future. 

Thus, 82 percent of Americans age 65 and older prefer living on one level, and that percentage is increasing. It is a big reason why Erickson campuses, like Fox Run, are so popular with people like Lucille and Henrietta, because they offer only one-floor apartment homes like the Jackson. 

In fact, Erickson realized the importance of one level living over 23 years ago, and designs and builds all their apartments on one level. In fact, one level living is so popular, that at Fox Run, eleven of their single level designs are now sold out.

One-Floor Homes Gain Popularity
“Having everything on one floor is a big plus. Frankly, Henrietta and I would not live in a place where you had to go up and down stairs,” says Lucille Hubbard who lives with her sister, Henrietta Latimer. They moved from the East Coast to Michigan to be near Henrietta’s daughter, and they live in a Jackson single level apartment home at Fox Run, on the fifth floor.

“The view from our apartment is spectacular, both from the living room and the kitchen with its two large windows. On a clear day, we can see the skyline of downtown Detroit,” says Lucille.