BOZEMAN — The Bozeman Co-housing Group just closed on the purchase of around 5.3 acres of land south of downtown.
Bringing them one step closer to bringing the first co-housing development to the state of Montana.
On Saturday, the Bozeman Co-housing group had their first site tour.
Co-housing emphasizes community, and is part of a lifestyle and architectural movement that began in Denmark in the 1960’s.
“Co-housing is all about you creating this physical and social infrastructure to support the groups unique goals and aspirations. So every group is different,” said Erik Bonnet, an architect and future resident of the cohousing development he is helping design.
“You know your neighbors, you know this kind of idea of going next door for a cup of sugar actually happens on a regular basis.”
Neighborhoods often consist of smaller private homes with shared public spaces and amenities for residents.
So far, 9 families have invested into the Bozeman Co-housing project.
“Co-housing is created by the future residents. So all the people that are going to live there are helping to do the development,” said Mark Oakes, a Bozeman Co-housing member and future resident.
And while the design is still in its early stages, the Bozeman City Commission recently approved the zoning of the lot.
That would allow for the flexibility needed for the project to move forward.
“The fact that Bozeman Co-housing has successfully acquired some land and has a strong concept for how they’re going to develop that land and turn it into co-housing is by far the biggest milestone,” said Bonnett.
Bozeman Co-housing will be holding meetings in the future, and is still looking for future residents.
You can learn more about co-housing and the group by visiting their website: https://bozemancohousing.com/
