Street of Dreams: Multigenerational Livability

Every summer, the Pacific Northwest unveils its most dazzling residential creations as the NW Natural Street of Dreams—an iconic showcase of innovation, luxury, and livability, produced by the Home Building Association of Greater Portland. The Street of Dreams events include tours of show homes located throughout the Portland Metro area which exemplify the latest advancements in residential design and construction. From opulent estates to thoughtfully designed middle housing, the Street of Dreams offers a spectrum of possibilities for modern living.

Featured among these tours is a grand home at Oswego Reserve in Lake Oswego, which AARP Oregon recently had the opportunity to visit. Nestled in the serene enclave of Oswego Reserve, the 8,725-square-foot masterpiece known as Alla Famiglia blends elegance with purpose—crafted to welcome four generations under one roof.

Jackie Haddon, our LiveAble Homes tour guide, highlighted thoughtful design elements that throughout the residence that included signage, such as:

• No-step thresholds for seamless mobility 

• Wheelchair- and child-accessible cabinetry 

• Aesthetically pleasing grab bars that double as toilet paper holders 

• Wide hallways and expansive communal spaces for gatherings 

Behind many of these design features is LiveAble Homes, a women-owned accessible design and development company specializing in creating and certifying homes that allow people to live independently for as long as they choose. Jody Wallace of Greylyn Wayne Interior Design and Staging called them in as consultants on the accessible design features of Alla Famiglia.


We sat down with Jody Wallace, the founder and head of design of Greylyn Wayne, the main company behind Alla Famiglia’s impeccable design, and asked what Jody considers to be the benefits of intergenerational living.


“When children grow up alongside their grandparents,” Jody shared, “they learn empathy, responsibility, and the joy of shared care. It’s a model that enriches every generation.”

Intergenerational living also helps with financial resilience and increases generational wealth. Through the design of high ceilings, wide hallways, and open communal spaces with ample natural light, people are brought together. This includes not only family but also family friends and the wider community.


While not everyone will live in a dream home like Alla Famiglia, its principles—accessibility, connection, and intentional design—can and should inspire housing at every price point. Because a truly livable home isn’t defined by square footage, but by how well it serves the people within.


About AARP Oregon: AARP Oregon empowers people aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age, advocating for policies that improve the lives of older adults and their families. Learn more at: aarp.org/or