The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has announced the finalists for NAHB's 2012 Best of 50+ Housing Awards, a design and marketing competition for the senior housing industry. A total of 79 entries were chosen as finalists and are eligible for either a Gold or Silver Award from NAHB's 50+ Housing Council. See the full listhere.

"The finalists demonstrated how green and universal design features can be seamlessly incorporated throughout a home to enhance the lives of active adults, their children and grandchildren," said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. "We are excited to announce the award-winning projects during the 2012 NAHB International Builders' Show."

Finalists were selected from entries in 44 categories representing active adult housing, service-enriched housing and marketing activity. New categories added this year focused on such areas as fitness and wellness, integration of technology and green communities. The judges also singled out several entries for innovation awards.

From this group of finalists, Gold Award winners will be named at the Best of 50+ Housing Awards presentation on Feb. 9, 2012, during the NAHB International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla.

NAHB's 50+ Housing Council launched the Best of 50+ Housing Awards to encourage quality and innovation in the 50+ housing market. The Council provides information, education and networking opportunities for its members and provides advocacy support to NAHB on key 50+ housing issues. The awards program is sponsored by Lowe's Commercial Services.