Quad City Area REALTORS® to Host ADU Design Contest Awards Ceremony Celebrating Local Innovation and Housing Solutions

The Quad City Area REALTORS® (QCAR) is proud to announce the ADU Design Contest Awards Ceremony, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking housing solutions in the Quad Cities. The design contest was made possible by the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant. QCAR is one of only 383 organizations chosen to receive the grant from over 3,450 applications nationwide, representing all 50 states.

The event will take place on Wednesday, October 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the QCAR office, 1900 State Street, Bettendorf, Iowa.

The ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Design Contest was created to inspire local architects, designers, and community members to envision new approaches to affordable, sustainable, and flexible housing. Contest participants were challenged to design functional and creative ADU concepts that could enhance housing options across the region.

During the Awards Ceremony, QCAR will reveal the winning designs and recognize all participating individuals for their contributions. Attendees will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with the visionaries shaping the future of housing in the Quad Cities.

“This contest showcases the incredible talent and innovation within our community,” said Sharon Smith., QCAR CEO. “Accessory dwelling units represent an exciting solution to expand housing opportunities, and we’re proud to celebrate the creative ideas that emerged from this initiative.”

The event is open to community members, industry professionals, and local leaders interested in housing innovation.
Registration by emailing BPoirier@QCARealtors.com.

About Quad City Area REALTORS®
QCAR represents over 1000 real estate professionals in the Quad Cities region. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, QCAR promotes sustainable development, homeownership, and inclusive housing solutions.

About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge is a nationwide grant program that funds innovative, community-based projects that improve quality of life for people of all ages.