Michael’s Place

business
Real estate notes
By Margaret Jackson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/15/2007 11:07:39 AM MST

A safe place for Michael to stay

Volunteers in Carbondale are working with Habitat for Humanity to remodel a family’s garage into an apartment, nicknamed Mikey’s Place, for Michael Grandbois, who has cerebral palsy and autism.
The goal is to turn the garage into a safe, comfortable place for Michael to live. Features will include radiant floor heating, rather than unsafe exposed baseboards, and a lockable kitchenette.
The bathroom will be specially designed to accommodate Michael’s needs, and an additional bedroom and bathroom will be located above the garage apartment where Michael’s caregiver can live.
Alpine Bank has created a fund for those wishing to donate.

Michael’s place is an ADU, and Carbondale has apparently joined the ranks of Colorado cities, along with Arvada, that allow this type of alternative housing for families. Michael is disabled, and there are many like Michael in need of decent housing close to their family, but with a sense of independence that a separate home offers even though it is right there in the back yard. ADUS are also perfect for an aging parent as an alternative to placement into an expensive health care environment.

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