Cohousing-L Mailing List: common houses in small communities

[Deborah Holzel (tessadog]

We are in the process of developing a small community of 13-18 units in 
midcoast Maine.  We are planning our common space and are wondering what other 
small communities have found to be the optimal size of a common house or common 
area.  Total square footage? Kitchen size?-- number of refrigerators; what size 
stove, cupboard space, counter space, etc.  Mail room?  General hang-out area? 
There are several unknowns at this point.  So far we are older adults with no 
children, so we don't yet know if we'll need play space.   Dining room and 
kitchen are the givens.  We are wary of creating more common space than we 
need.  We would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks.