Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Tonight's Web Chat on Retrofit Cohousing

[T G (triciamill9]

I believe fewer people do retrofit cohousing because the newer trend is to
try and fit the mold of around 30 families, large common house, etc. Older
communities seemed to form more gradually, starting with a few close
friends who sought out, or found by chance, an opportunity to convert
something that already exists, such as a small apartment complex or farm
with a few original homes. It would be great to see more older buildings
get repurposed. Also, more emphasis could be put on the fact that a small,
close knit group can be very successful. That seems to be discouraged. It
doesn't need to be such a large group to make it happen. In fact it seems
like it might be much easier to finance a smaller project, as the Temescal
Creek group seems to be a good example of. I remember in college dreaming
with friends about buying a bunch of acreage and building a few homes,
sharing gardens, making meals together, etc. but stil having enough space
for privacy. It seemed idealistic but it can be done...maybe I will still
do it someday.