Niche Housing as Social Prosthetic for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Seniors: Resident Motivations and Perceptions

Niche housing is one of the fastest growing segments of housing projects for elders in the United States. Folks select housing for many reasons including finances, social connections, safety, comfort, style, and services provided. This paper explores one of the latest developments, Town Hall Apartments, Chicago, created specifically to meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors with limited income. Senior housing precedents and theories are explained and interviews with residents of the complex are analyzed. Findings provide ideas and directions for other designers to pursue when creating housing not only for LGBT seniors but other niche markets as well.