MARCH JLC 1998 Notebook... Notebo ok... MARCH 1998 EDITED BY LELAND STONE Adaptive Housing by Kathy Price-Robinson Contractors find profits and satisfaction in new market The offhand remark of a nursing home administrator revealed a whole new market to Chicagoarea general contractor Allan Browne. The official, speaking about his patients, mentioned to Browne that 40% of them could leave if only they could get in and out of their homes, negotiate any stairways, and access their toilet and shower. "We thought that sounded interesting," says Browne, who took the idea and ran with it. His company has grown to 25 employees since 1991, when he began specializing in accessible building and remodeling. As our society grays (the first baby
