Chuck Durrett, award winning architect and author of Senior Cohousing Handbook: A Community Approach to Independent Living, was in Portland last week, I along with 30 other participants attended his half day workshop. SAGE Cohousing Advocates was one of the sponsors.
We have a senior housing crisis in this country. Too many older adults are living in single family houses where they raised their family, but which are not fit for a successful aging scenario, nor a sustainable future. Cohousing offers new architectural and social models of housing designed for families seeking a balance of independence and sociability, community and privacy.
Many of my clients are trying to make the choice of where and what does the lifestyle look like for the next 20 years. Aging in place, making the existing home age friendly, downsize to a condominium, build an ADU, (accessory dwelling unit) in their kids backyard, join an active retirement community, or assisted living community. So many options- what suits your needs?
Cohousing is already popular in Europe and here in Portland there are a few new projects, this spring AnkenyRow had an open house showing off the six units that was the flagship for Net Zero Energy. The design and workmanship was top notch by Green Hammer Contractors.
PDX Commons currently under construction are looking for adults who embrace cooperation, caring, compassion and environmental living. The project is urban walkable to shopping and transit and slated to be completed 2016. They are having informal coffee chats and potlucks if you want to learn more.
Cohousing-Solutions provides consulting services with Katie McCamant bringing her wealth of knowledge to the community. She is coauthor of Cohousing:A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves.
This fall Lisa Wiebe with Integral Living Solutions, will be instructing a class, at PCC; Innovation Cohousing for the 50+ Generation. The 8 week course starts September 29 – November 17 and will engage participants on what cohousing looks and feels like, building a community that ensures you are surrounded by a circle of friends living lighter on the planet and having as much fun the second half of your life as your first half!
Be sure to check out these books-
Once again it seems like Portland is taking the lead, looking at alternative housing. Where will you be living for the next 20 years?