Today’s multifamily renovations are evolving beyond square footage and floor plans—they’re redefining what it means to create spaces that truly work for everyone. What was once a niche concept, universal design is emerging as a new benchmark for modern-day living as property managers and developers recognize its value beyond compliance. From baby boomers looking to age in place to younger generations with varying mobility needs, multifamily properties that integrate universal design are being positioned for long-term financial success by creating a better living experience for all.

Universal Design in Multifamily Renovations Explained

For decades, multifamily properties followed a one-size-fits-all approach that often overlooked accessibility—until it became a necessity. Universal design takes a different approach, baking adaptability into the blueprint from the start because buildings, much like the people who inhabit them, aren’t static. The best multifamily architecture not only anticipates change but designs function to lengthen the useful life of the building without the need for constant modifications or renovations.

The idea behind universal design is more than retrofitting a space with ramps and grab bars at the end of construction to comply with ADA and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Instead, it’s about creating intuitive, flexible spaces that naturally accommodate more residents across all life stages, while infusing great design that appeals to everyone. Embedding this philosophy creates relevance across all markets, whether for individuals with disabilities, those recovering from an injury or anyone navigating daily life with a stroller or carrying a heavy load.

Market Demand for Universal Design in Multifamily Renovations

In Chicago alone, one in four adults has a disability. According to the City of Chicago, 27% of adults (570,045 people) report either having a cognitive or mobile-related disability, with some neighborhoods seeing disability rates exceed 50%. While accessibility is often associated with aging, data shows that 40% of individuals with disabilities in Chicago are between the ages of 18-24, highlighting a broader need for more adaptable housing.

At the same time, an aging boomer population and rising multigenerational household structures are reshaping the market. By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that one in five Americans will be of retirement age, marking a demographic tipping point by 2034 when older adults are expected to outnumber children for the first time in history. This shift has direct implications on multifamily housing, as more seniors are choosing to maintain their independence at home rather than relocate to a retirement community. With accessibility and convenience driving housing decisions, multifamily renovations that incorporate universal design will be better equipped to meet the expectations of an aging population, offering safer, more adaptable spaces that allow residents to comfortably remain in place.

A growing number of jurisdictions across the country are already responding to these needs by integrating “visitability” into their building codes—a term that expands on universal design by prioritizing accessibility not just for residents but for visitors as well. Anchored in the same principles as universal design, visitability has gained traction in places like Pima County, Arizona and the state of Vermont, where building codes now require features such as zero-step entries and wider doorways. Whether it’s a resident aging in place, a friend on crutches or a relative using a wheelchair, visitability ensures that properties are designed with usability in mind regardless of age, ability or body type. As these policies gain momentum, visitability is setting a new standard for the direction of multifamily construction and apartment renovations.

How Multifamily Renovations Can Implement Universal Design

As priorities realign and demographic shifts take place, both multifamily contractors and property managers continue to adapt. And while housing trends have come a long way from step-down living rooms, separate dining rooms and closed-off galley kitchens, many properties still feature design elements that limit functionality. 

For multifamily new construction built post-1991, compliance with ADA and the FHA is nonnegotiable, but historic multifamily renovations have an opportunity to integrate accessibility without compromising architectural integrity as well. Many of Chicago’s older apartment buildings qualify for reasonable modification exemptions, but the best multifamily remodeling projects go beyond the bare minimum, incorporating a few of the following designs.

Top Universal Design Tips for Multifamily Renovations

1. Wide Stepless Entryways: Preserve the historic character of your building by integrating graded walkways, step-free side entrances and lifts or ramps that blend into landscaping to maintain the building’s original façade.
2. Offset Hinges for Wider Doorways: If widening doors isn’t feasible, offset hinges can add up to an inch of clearance for improved mobility access.
3. Open Floor Plans: Convert rigid layouts into flexible, adaptable spaces with open-concept kitchens and barrier-free bathrooms to enhance livability.
4. Zero-Threshold Transitions: Retrofit bathrooms and common areas with curbless showers and continuous, nonslip flooring materials to enhance mobility between spaces.
5. Custom Hardware Upgrades: Replace traditional round doorknobs with lever handles for ease of use and install grab bars and shower seating in bathrooms.
6. Integrated Smart Home Features: Install motion- or voice-activated, dimmable lighting for residents with low vision or mobility challenges or replace standard light switches with rocker-style switches, which are easier to operate for residents with limited dexterity, and introduce smart climate control systems that allow residents to adjust heating and cooling with minimal effort.
7. Subtle Wayfinding Elements: Introduce tactile markers, high-contrast finishes and Braille signage that enhance navigation.
8. Acoustic and Sensory Improvements: Enhance soundproofing by incorporating paneling or drapery for those with sensory sensitivities.
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Top Universal Design Tips for Multifamily New Construction

Building on the above design principles of open floor plans, enhanced soundproofing for acoustic comfort and smart technology, below are a few universal design ideas for ground-up multifamily properties.

1. Standardize Stepless Entry and Zero-Threshold Outdoor Access: Instead of limiting step-free access to select units, design each apartment with stepless entrées and extend the no-step design to exterior balconies, patios and shared courtyards for all residents.
2. Adaptable and Multilevel Kitchen Workspaces: Incorporate tiered countertops, pull-down shelving and lower-positioned appliances, such as under-counter microwaves and side-opening wall ovens.
3. Built-In Blocking for Future Use: Design walls in bathrooms and key areas with reinforced blocking so grab bars and support fixtures can be added later without major renovations.
4. Advanced Wayfinding and Navigation: Going beyond Braille signage, incorporate tactile flooring cues, high-contrast color coding and subtle auditory guidance to help residents navigate intuitively.
5. Common Area Inclusivity: Equip all shared spaces like coworking lounges, fitness centers and recreational areas to be fully inclusive, integrating adaptable seating, nonslip pathways and height-adjustable amenities for all residents.
6. Emergency Response Systems: Integrate voice-activated emergency alerts and automated fire suppression into units for enhanced safety.
7. Keyless Entry Systems: Incorporate smart locks with facial recognition, voice control or keypad access to eliminate physical barriers to benefit those with mobility challenges, and enhance security with auto-locking doors to secure automatically after entry while allowing an easy exit in case of emergencies.

Why Investing in Universal Design is Financially Smart for Your Multifamily Renovation

Universal design is becoming a standard practice in many multifamily renovations and new construction projects to accommodate more residents, more of the time. It’s not only important to keep pace with the evolving needs of residents to stay relevant, but the financial returns are tangible—they translate directly into higher retention and occupancy rates, increased property values, and long-term savings from reduced retrofitting and compliance costs.

With 25+ years of experience, our team specializes in integrating accessibility and universal design into multifamily renovations in and around Chicago. Contact us today or request a quote to get started on your project.