Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: how long DOES it take

[Judy Baxter (BAXTER]

Denise asked (sorry, i read this list sporadically, it goes into a folder, and
I  scan when I can, so this is late)

*How long from when the group formed to move-in?
        Well, it depends which group you count:
                1990 Twin Cities Cohousing network formed, outreach, several
core groups form
                1991 Two groups merge to get control of part of a potential
site, (option, really) and investigate, put up money, decide it is too risky,
loose money, but learn to work together and take risks

*How long from when you found land and got control of it (optioned or
purchased)?
                Nov, 1991, the site of the present MOnterey Cohousing is
discovered, offer made in 2 weeks!, not accepted, we wait in the wings hoping
the group whose offer is accepted doesn't get the variance they need to have a
youth hostel (we support AYH, but also Coho).  Summer 1992 it appears that all
hope is gone. October 1992, the other deal falls through, we have 2 months to
finalize the deal with the bank .  December 18, 1992 (our anniversary) we
closed on the property, including the "mansion" with 23 rooms, 14 bathrooms,
1924 commercial kitchen, etc. etc.  
                1993 rehab starts, gradual move in to coop (8 apartment homes),
search for developer, can't find one, select development consultant, etc. etc.
                1996 7 townhomes completed over 6 month period,move in, 
electricity and plumbing for kitchens in coop homes
                1997(?) driveway surfaced, retaining walls built
                1999  Common Kitchen rehab completed

So, how long? we are a work in progress, still!  I'd say 2 years for first
phase, 5 for second, plus time for coop kitchens varied a lot.
Judy            

Judy Baxter, Monterey Cohousing Community,(MoCoCo) Twin Cities Area, Mpls.,MN
-- e-mail:      baxter [at] epi.umn.edu
15 homes - 7 new townhomes plus 
        8 coop apartments       in the Mansion (a rehab Georgian building)
(built as a retirement home in 1924 -) which also serves as our Common House
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One 3 BR  townhome for sale - see our web page
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 Voice Mail for Monterey Cohousing - 612-930-7554
 web page: http://www.jimn.org/mococo/