Questions?

What is Cohousing?
Cohousing is a form of collaborative housing that offers residents an old-fashioned sense of neighborhood. In cohousing, residents know their neighbors very well and there is a strong sense of community that is absent in contemporary cities and suburbs. The overall neighborhood and homes are designed and built with sustainability as a driving principle and promote a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle, with walking paths throughout the community and parking at the perimeter of the site.

Cohousing communities consist of private, fully-equipped dwellings and extensive common amenities including a common house and recreation areas. They are designed and managed by the residents who have chosen to live in a close-knit neighborhood that seeks a healthy blend of privacy and community.

The Cohousing concept was created in Denmark in the ‘60s and was introduced into the American culture by architects Chuck Durrett and Katie McCamant, co-authors of “Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves”. To date there are 70 completed cohousing communities and approximately 150 communities in some stage of development.

When is this community going to be built? When can we move in?
Our intention is to break ground in late summer, 2007 with move-ins starting in late 2008.

Do I own my own home?
Yes, each neighbor owns their own home and is also part owner of the community house. Each home features a kitchen, living and dining areas, bedroom(s), bathrooms(s), a porch or and views to the common green.

What is a community house?
A community house is similar to a “clubhouse” in a condominium complex, except that the community utilizes them much more frequently! The community house is the location where the community cooks and shares meals together anywhere from 1-3 times per week. Other activities that can be held in the community house include: yoga classes, musical events, book clubs or business meeting. The community house is viewed as an extension of each resident’s own home – an oversized living room! A gourmet kitchen, large dining area, guest rooms, a living room and laundry facilities are the types of things generally included in the community house.

How do I join this community?
We strive for diversity in all of our communities, so any and all are welcome in the Arvada Cohousing community. To join costs a token $100 which we use towards meeting costs. Participation in community meetings, workshops, and social events are encouraged and expected to develop the neighborhood design, teach community members communication and facilitation skills, decision-making process, etc.