6 ideas for sensible homes--one example in Seattle

[eridani]

http://www.nationofchange.org/6-ideas-sensible-homes-1336745737

In Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, busy markets and concert halls are just minutes away by foot. Ferries, light rail, and buses are, too. It’s not surprising that housing in Belltown generally comes with a big price tag, but the Apex Belltown Co-op offers affordable, communal home ownership. Apex emerged from the efforts of a group of artists looking to create low-cost housing. With loans from the city of Seattle and the National Consumer Cooperative Bank, they purchased and converted the 1909 Apex Hotel into a cooperative home with 21 living units and shared bathrooms and kitchens. Current members range in age from 19 to 50, and they share all aspects of building ownership. After a refundable “buy-in” share price of $2,472, members pay a rent-like sum between $259 and $583 per month. The fee goes toward whatever members agree upon as a group, from utilities to a party and event budget to toilet paper. Members share lives, too. “Outside the day-to-day organizational things like meetings that bring people together, we have potlucks, play games and do crafts together, or go to a neighborhood bar,” says Aaron Long, a current member. “You see your neighbors all the time.” — Shannan Stoll

[klook]

1. I like #2 - "not owned by a bank"

This co-op model is worth investigating. Thanks for the link.