Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: architects and developers

[Karin Landsberg (karin]

I appreciate all the feedback from my questions. Here's a bit more 
information:

Dearborn Commons Cohousing is in Seattle. We had an option on a site, 
however it has expired (long complicated mess involving a developer that 
wanted out of the project). The city intends to issue an RFP for both 
"our" site and a larger parcel across the street on December 1st. 
Proposals will be due January 15.

We have preliminary plans for an 18 unit building on the site. Condo 
style building, underground parking, with the common house and a wheel 
chair accessible unit also on the ground level, then two floors of units 
above as two towers with a common terrace in between. The units are 
studio, one, and two bedrooms.

We are working with a local non-profit land trust to make five of the 
units permanently affordable.

So far, there is one developer locally who focuses on non-traditional 
community based type projects that seems to be interested in working 
with us on our site and the site across the street. We have received 
proposals from two local architects.

We have a pretty good chance of being awarded the option, we know the 
city likes our project because of the density, low-income, and community 
aspects. We have already been through a favorable neighborhood review 
process, and there is another cohousing community (Jackson Place) across 
the street from our site which supports us as well.

So my original questions were: We are getting ready to hire an architect 
and developer. What worked for your group and what would you do 
differently? Any input would be helpful! Also, I am particularly curious 
to find out the reasons groups have chosen to go with local architects 
and developers or ones who are more familiar with the particulars of 
creating cohousing.

Again, thanks to everyone for your input!! Karin Landsberg

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