Common House and Shared Amenities

The 1,068 square foot common house will be a simple but extremely flexible building at the center of the site with 3 primary uses: ground floor gathering hall, small kitchen, and two upstairs guest rooms with bathroom and separate entrance.

The main interior gathering space will include ample organized storage so the space can easily set up for various uses, including:

• Movie projection
• Lounging in a fireside library
• Exercise and yoga
• Books and toys for kids
• Group meetings and shared meals
• Music performance, dance parties and other social gatherings

Covered patio areas just outside the common building will be set up for:

• Outdoor kitchen for food processing and canning, facing the main community garden
• Barbecues
• Socializing with neighbors

Guest accommodations

The common house will contain two guest rooms with a shared full bath for out-of-town guests.  These spaces will be private and cozy enough that we’ll feel comfortable hosting friends, family, or touring speakers.  Hosts will be responsible for their guests and for making sure the guest room(s) are promptly cleaned and ready for future guests.  There will be a nominal per-night charge to cover basic costs (heating, water, maintenance…) associated with the guest rooms.

Shared green space

The shared outdoor portions of the site offer both places for kids to play and for adults to relax quietly without commotion.  For the kids, we anticipate that community members will construct a play structure, swing set, and/or tree fort.  For adults (and quiet kids), we will designate an area for hammocks and patio furniture for chilling out.

Additional shared common amenities:

• A 4,400 square-foot community garden
• Bike storage rooms plus covered, lockable wall racks will provide secure storage for 38 bicycles
• A central courtyard, anchored by a magnificent Oregon oak tree, can serve as a community gathering space or play field
• 19 existing trees will be preserved, including a 48” oak, a 32” deodar cedar, a stand of fir trees, and a small grove of hardwoods
• Extensive new edible landscaping, including espalier fruit trees, berry hedges, and grapes
• Homes for chickens, bees, and possibly small ruminants for mowing our grassy areas