So What's "Cohousing" and Who's Creating It In Pittsburgh?
Cohousing communities were first developed in Denmark in the late
1970s to revive community in neighborhoods. Of course, once
community minded Americans got wind of this concept in the late
80s, it didn't take long before the first Cohousing community was up
and running in 1991. By mid 2005 there were nearly 80 established
Cohousing communities in the U.S. and another 51 now in the
development stage including The Pittsburgh Cohousing Group,
which started meeting in the spring of 2005.
Cohousing communities are not religiously or politically based, they
are simply intentional neighborhoods where members/residents
agree to be good neighbors, to look out for each other, and be
good friends.
Members live independently in their own homes but have the
unique convenience of a common house centered near the homes
in which to share community dinners and have access to shared
resources like a fitness center, repair or create 'shops', and other
inventive spaces.
Cohousing communities were first developed in Denmark in the late
1970s to revive community in neighborhoods. Of course, once
community minded Americans got wind of this concept in the late
80s, it didn't take long before the first Cohousing community was up
and running in 1991. By mid 2005 there were nearly 80 established
Cohousing communities in the U.S. and another 51 now in the
development stage including The Pittsburgh Cohousing Group,
which started meeting in the spring of 2005.
Cohousing communities are not religiously or politically based, they
are simply intentional neighborhoods where members/residents
agree to be good neighbors, to look out for each other, and be
good friends.
Members live independently in their own homes but have the
unique convenience of a common house centered near the homes
in which to share community dinners and have access to shared
resources like a fitness center, repair or create 'shops', and other
inventive spaces.
WHO ARE WE? We are a group of talented and diverse Pittsburghers including a professor, desktop publisher,
Reiki practitioner, architect, accountant, business consultant, psychotherapist, artists, writers and musicians, so far!
OUR VISION? Is to be a cooperative, with an ecologically responsible and diverse neighborhood of 25-30
households, representing a variety of ages, professions, family structures, and ethnic, cultural and spiritual
backgrounds.
WHAT'S THE DESIGN PLAN? We will plan, design, and manage our cohousing community, which will include:
• A cluster of affordable homes
• Energy efficient, ‘green’ construction
• A balance of private and common spaces
• A common house available for activities such as fitness, community dinners, movie nights, games, crafts,
meetings and musical events
• Community space for playground, gardens, and open space for socializing
• Roads and parking at the perimeter with central walking paths
WHERE WILL THE COMMUNITY BE LOCATED? We are researching sites in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
Site requirements include two acres or more, access to public transportation and close to shopping, cultural events
and other activities. We have established a relationship with a local developer who has a special interest in
cohousing communities. We are initiating a formal working relationship with him once we are ready to look at sites.
WHEN DO WE START THE SEARCH? We are very close to having the required number of committed households
in order to begin site searching. There's still room for a few adventurous souls to join us now who want to be able to
say they were "there from the beginning."
JOIN US: Join us to continue to develop the vision for this cooperative neighborhood.
• Plan to celebrate life with us in a safe community, which shares resources, some meals, and activities where
neighbors are friends.
• Support and participate in a community, with abundant green space, that values ecological responsibility.
• Become part of a community of diverse backgrounds, ages and families.
• We have a number of Orientations scheduled for 2008, and we conduct monthly business meetings.
Reiki practitioner, architect, accountant, business consultant, psychotherapist, artists, writers and musicians, so far!
OUR VISION? Is to be a cooperative, with an ecologically responsible and diverse neighborhood of 25-30
households, representing a variety of ages, professions, family structures, and ethnic, cultural and spiritual
backgrounds.
WHAT'S THE DESIGN PLAN? We will plan, design, and manage our cohousing community, which will include:
• A cluster of affordable homes
• Energy efficient, ‘green’ construction
• A balance of private and common spaces
• A common house available for activities such as fitness, community dinners, movie nights, games, crafts,
meetings and musical events
• Community space for playground, gardens, and open space for socializing
• Roads and parking at the perimeter with central walking paths
WHERE WILL THE COMMUNITY BE LOCATED? We are researching sites in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
Site requirements include two acres or more, access to public transportation and close to shopping, cultural events
and other activities. We have established a relationship with a local developer who has a special interest in
cohousing communities. We are initiating a formal working relationship with him once we are ready to look at sites.
WHEN DO WE START THE SEARCH? We are very close to having the required number of committed households
in order to begin site searching. There's still room for a few adventurous souls to join us now who want to be able to
say they were "there from the beginning."
JOIN US: Join us to continue to develop the vision for this cooperative neighborhood.
• Plan to celebrate life with us in a safe community, which shares resources, some meals, and activities where
neighbors are friends.
• Support and participate in a community, with abundant green space, that values ecological responsibility.
• Become part of a community of diverse backgrounds, ages and families.
• We have a number of Orientations scheduled for 2008, and we conduct monthly business meetings.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |