Cohousing-L Mailing List: Urban cohousing

[monica briggs (m_briggs]

Hello all,The topic of urban, transit-oriented developments fits our urban 
chohousing group, Stony Brook Cohousing (in Jamaica Plain, MA) perfectly. 
(http://www.stonybrookcohousing.org/about_us.html) We have just signed a 
purchase and sale agreement for the redevelopment of a church on a mixed-use 
site in downtown Jamaica Plain. We will be creating a 30 to 37 household 
community. (see this article in our local paper:  
http://jamaicaplaingazette.com/node/3848We are working with a terrific local 
developer, and will be selecting our architect by early next week. We have just 
started a 90-day feasibility assessment period, and I would like to get the 
word out about our project. I would greatly appreciate some advice on how best 
to do this.My name is Monica Briggs, and I have been an equity member of Stony 
Brook Cohousing since 2007. I have recently joined this Listserv, and have been 
very impressed and enlightened by the discussions. 
I already feel like we are part of a thriving cohousing community by being part 
of these discussions!

Gratefully,Monica

> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:09:22 -0800
> From: grace [at] schemataworkshop.com
> To: cohousing-l [at] cohousing.org
> Subject: [C-L]_ urban infill cohousing
> 
> 
> Saw this industry report online - perhaps an indicator for the next wave
> of cohousing projects - urban infill, transit oriented developments
> (TOD).  Could be pretty exciting!
> 
>  
> 
> Housing downturn results in demand for more infill and high-density
> development
> 
> -- Building Design & Construction, 12/14/2009 10:52:00 AM
> 
> 
> (also published on same date at Residential Design Build under headline:
> Consumers want homes close to jobs, transportation)
> 
> 
>  
> 
> Washington, D.C. - December 14, 2009 - Consumer preferences for
> community design that once preferred suburban and rural areans removed
> from metropolitan hubs is moving increasingly toward infill sites that
> have greater access to public transportation options. Mixed-use
> developments focused around density are being favored in some cases over
> traditional neighborhood design with homes close to the street,
> sidewalks and smaller lots. 
> 
> These types of developments are still gaining in popularity, but at a
> slower rate than recent years most likely as the result of the overall
> economic challenges. Home exteriors with durability and low maintenance
> are also proving to be more popular in recent years.   
> 
> Billings at residential architecture firms remain weak, but remodeling
> activity showing an improvement. These findings are from the American
> Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the third
> quarter of 2009 that focused on community and neighborhood design. 
> 
> "There is an extremely high level of inventories of unsold homes due to
> the prolonged downturn in the housing market," said AIA Chief Economist,
> Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "That element and the fact that home energy
> and transportation costs have risen in recent years has people
> rethinking living options. Demand for homes in urban centers with
> greater access to transportation, retail, commercial and employers has a
> tremendous appeal." 
> 
> Design strategy tailored towards access to public transportation and job
> centers helps reduce sprawl, dependence on automobiles, encourages
> sustainability and creates an overall more vibrant and healthy
> community. 
> 
> AIA Home Design Trends Survey highlights 
> 
> Popular Home Exteriors Features                      
> 
> 2009                 
> 
> 2008 
> 
> Durable exterior materials
> 
> 75%                            
> 
> 73%
> 
> Sustainable roofing    
> 
> 47%                            
> 
> 62%
> 
> Porches                      
> 
> 53%                
> 
> 46%
> 
> Windows (number and size)
> 
> 26%                
> 
> 33%
> 
> Tubular skylights        
> 
> 24%                
> 
> n/a
> 
> Green roofs                
> 
> 21%                            
> 
> n/a
> 
>  (% respond. report. popularity of feature "increasing" minus % report.
> "decreasing"; Q3) 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> grace h kim aia, architect & cofounder
> 
> schemata workshop | empowering communities through architecture
> 
> 1720 12th ave #3  seattle wa 98122  v 206 285 1589
> 
> www.schemataworkshop.com <http://www.schemataworkshop.com/> 
> 
>  
> 
> Recipient of 2009 Mayor's Small Business Award
> 
>  
> 
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> 
> 
                                          
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