Build It And They Will Come

This is the third in a series of articles about a Richmond Cohousing family. Follow their journey here.

When Karl and Laurel first got involved with Richmond Cohousing there were only a few members who were determined to buy a unit come what may. There were a lot of unknowns: location, type of housing, cost, how it would all work together. It takes a certain amount of gumption to take the step from curiosity to commitment when you work with a large group, but from the beginning Laurel and Karl were ready to follow through to completion. Together with the other group members, these stalwarts paved the way towards the project we have now: a condominium building filled with community and friendship in the Manchester neighborhood of Richmond.

The theory, “build it and they will come,” is evident in the progress the group has made since breaking ground in March. The foundations have been laid, framing of the first floor is done, and 15 of the 19 units are sold. The project is on track for the expected move in date of May 2020.

With evident excitement, Laurel describes the atmosphere as affiliative autonomy: “We get to have the best of everything. That means we have our own unit with spare bedroom and bath, a kitchen and living room. But we also get to enjoy the automatic sense of community when we share meals together three times a week or hang out on the roof garden for sunset cocktails.”

The group has shared meetings, potlucks, outings – and aren’t even moved in yet! “We’re a welcoming, inclusive group and hope to attract some more interested people who want to participate,” Karl said.

If you are interested in learning more about the available units in Richmond Cohousing, contact the Membership Team at info@richmondcohousing or 804.592.6091.