Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: affordable urban cohousing for artists?

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Oct 17, 2006, at 9:28 PM, Ed Stauff wrote:

> 1. Has anyone tried this sort of thing, either successfully or
> unsuccessfully?

This sort of thing meaning housing for artists, yes. Look for cities 
that have urban development funds available. Often they will welcome a 
plan to convert a building into artist live/work space. Also look at 
organizations that specialize in artists rights and needs. Google 
"Artist housing."

But as with any public funding, it will place limits on how much you 
can control the project. As cohousing gains more recognition, the town 
council may embrace it and welcome the values. The problem will be 
around limiting ownership to those who sign on to the whole package. In 
the guise of open housing, cities just want to sell to the first 
buyers. These may include investors, not committed residents.

But, frankly, with the best of intentions, in any cohousing project 
now,  you will get some people signing on who do not share the vision 
for more than a few months so the success of the project will always be 
how much the burning souls are willing to persist in developing the 
community they want.

I wouldn't let the restrictions on public funding deter you, 
particularly if you are looking to house artists.

Sharon
-----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org