$10,000 in Prizes Up for Grabs: Final Call for ADU Design Contest Entries

Quad City Area REALTORS® and AARP Grant Invite Students & Professionals to Submit by Sept. 30
Bettendorf, Iowa – Time is running out to showcase your design talent and help shape the future of housing in our region! The Quad City Area REALTORS® (QCAR), with support from the 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant, is calling for final submissions to its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Contest. The deadline to enter is September 30, 2025—just 10 days away.

With $10,000 in cash prizes and the chance to have your work featured publicly as a model for innovation and accessibility, this contest is a unique opportunity for students and industry professionals in the Quad Cities to gain recognition and make a lasting impact.

“ADUs are more than a trend—they’re a housing solution that addresses affordability, accessibility, and multigenerational living,” said Sharon Smith, CEO of QCAR. “We want to showcase the incredible creativity in our community, but we need entries.”

Why Enter?

• Big Prizes – Up to $4,000 for professionals and $2,500 for students, plus cash awards for 2nd and 3rd place.
• High Visibility – Winning designs will be published on www.QCAR.Realtor, available for free public download, and promoted to policymakers and homeowners across the region.
• Real Impact – Your design could influence how communities across Iowa and Illinois embrace ADUs to meet housing needs.

 

Contest Categories

• Student Category: Currently enrolled students
• Professional Category: Industry professionals not enrolled in school

Eligibility: Open to students and professionals within the Greater Quad City IA/IL region.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Winners Announced: October 22, 2025, at a public awards ceremony

Entries will be judged on universal design (50%), construction efficiency (20%), contextual fit (20%), and presentation clarity (10%).

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.