From Legislation to Inspiration: QCAR’s ADU Contest Highlights Fresh Housing Solutions

It’s not often that legislative priorities in Iowa and Illinois align, but when Accessory Dwelling Units became a topic of discussion in both state legislatures, it was a big “win” for the Quad City Area REALTORS®. 

A win that propelled QCAR, with the backing of a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant, to create an ADU design contest for ADUs that could make an impact on available housing opportunities in local communities. 

“Iowa and Illinois are often on other sides of the coin,” Sharon Smith, executive officer for QCAR, said. “While they ultimately went different routes with legislation, it was kind of our jumping off point.” 

ADUs have become an increasingly important part of the housing conversation in recent years, as a meaningful solution to several challenges facing today’s housing market, including low inventory. 

Earlier this year, the Iowa Legislature passed SF592, legislation supported by Iowa REALTORS® and spearheaded by the AARP, that will increase inventory and support the development of accessible and attainable housing through accessory dwelling units. The legislation took effect on July 1, 2025. You can read more about the new law here. 

The new legislation, and a look through an AARP newsletter, gave Smith the idea for the ADU contest. 

“They were talking about a community challenge, and as I went through (the newsletter) and looked at the other submissions, one was an ADU submission contest. And thought that was great,” she said. “I wrote the grant, and we were one of 383 selected out of 3,500 applications, and one of seven in Iowa.” 

The goal of the contest goes beyond blueprints and renderings though, it’s about helping people see what’s possible. 

“We want to promote alternative home types while making sure we advocate for homeownership,” Smith said. “But that doesn't necessarily mean a single-family home. We're advocating for missing middle homes, advocating for what people need.” 

The contest ultimately attracted 10 submissions, three from students and seven from professionals. After careful review by a panel of judges from city government, building, and economic development sectors, six winning designs were chosen; three from each category, The contest and its participants were celebrated during an event at the QCAR offices in mid-October, with each selected planner receiving a cash prize. 

“While we couldn’t build one to show the size and impact of an ADU, we can tape off the floorplan in our parking lot,” Smith said of the event. “Most people don’t realize how spacious 800 or 900 square feet can feel.”  While the plans to outline ADUs in the parking lot didn't come to fruition, QCAR was able to tape-off the plans inside their building, Smith noted after the event. 

The winning designs are showcased on QCAR’s website, allowing visitors to view and even download the plans. 

“We want people to be able to print them out, conceptualize them in their own backyards,” Smith said. “We hope it does take off, when talking about different types of homes, it helps when we have plans.” 

Professional Category:
1st Place – “Clearway Cottage” by Hazelwood Homes (Casey Elder & Jasmine Horne)
This 816-square-foot design impressed judges with its universal accessibility, clever storage, and style that never compromises comfort. Thoughtful features like a pot-filler faucet, accessible cabinetry, and a custom tile shower demonstrate how function and design can coexist beautifully.

2nd Place – “The Nook” by Haven Real Estate (Bridget Liske)
A bright, ADA-compliant retreat with a glass-ceiling breakfast nook, “The Nook” blends modern design with accessibility and warmth.

3rd Place – “Garage to Getaway” by Keller Williams Real Estate (Taryn Kobernat)
This design reimagines an existing garage into a cozy, efficient living space — proving that adaptive reuse can be both affordable and elegant.

Student Category:
1st Place – “Close to Home” by Colton Foglesong
Inspired by the Iowa farmhouse, this project explores how design can bring people together when support from community and family is needed most.

2nd Place – “Grandma’s ADU” by Eloise Brisch
Created for the designer’s grandmother, this accessible space includes zero-step entry, solar panels, a garden, and a sunny art room — a loving and practical vision of aging in place.

3rd Place – “Haven ADU” by Logan Van Daele
Designed for a recent graduate starting out on their own, this ADU balances affordability, simplicity, and independence within a compact layout.