We have officially entered the DESIGN PHASE with 2 firms contracted to turn vision into reality!

We are forming a small group of friends, both local and long-distance, to be part of a “Village Dreamers” team. This is a short-term, collaborative group to help guide the early design process with insights, questions and reflections. Even if you don't end up living or working here, if you feel called, we welcome your voice in the room.

What it involves:

• Biweekly meetings (some in person, some online) from August through Fall 2025

• Feedback and reflections on design drafts as they evolve

• Optional opportunities to take on light tasks or deep dives, if inspired

• Flexible participation — come when you can, speak when you’re moved

You won’t be paid, but you will get front row seats to something powerful: co-creating a new way of living that could ripple far beyond this land.

To join the Village Dreamers, let Rayellen know you want to be included!

Proposed TIMELINE

JULY 2025

Kick Off Meeting (7/25/2025): General design discussion and contract terms. 

Land Survey (07/2025) by Allied Land Survey and Design, drawings expected early August 2025 

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2025 

Preliminary Conceptuals: Design team develops key ideas and questions, alternative schemes, permaculture layers of schematic ideas. Designs based on land and planning, as well as vision for village living.

- Review options with Designers.

Collaborative Feedback & Revisions

- Village Dreamer meetings in person and online to review and revise design options, provide feedback and ideas for the designers.

Team Meeting: Share feedback and new ideas with design team. A preferred scheme may emerge at this point. Discuss next steps.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Develop Preferred Designs: Design team uses new ideas and feedback from the Dreamers to develop preferred scheme into more formal drawings.

- Present preferred scheme.

OCTOBER-DECEMBER
SKETCH PLAN MEETING

At any stage, City Planners will allow a sketch plan meeting to provide feedback on the designs. We use this to refine and prepare to formal permit applications with the city. 

PERMITTING

Based on sketch plan meeting feedback, revise plans, draw up formal civil engineering and permit applications.

Depending on need for special variances, approval of plans will take 2 - 5 MONTHS. 

EARLY 2026

We may be ready to begin groundbreaking

We are planting seeds for an intergenerational residential microvillage in Winston Salem!

Picture a diverse mix of owners, renters and rent to owners. We will each have our own private small house and share "the commons" resources, including land set aside for growing food and supporting the local ecosystem.

Grounded in a commitment to exceptional communication and mutual aid, we can co-create a way of being at home, work and play that is connected and sustainable.

Join us as we turn talk into action ... building housing, equitable relationships, and new community models.   

Founding Investor (& current resident):  Rayellen Kishbach, Winston Salem - I have been inspired by, learning and practicing community skills for a long time, including living in cohousing, creating community gathering places, and participating in and facilitiating circles and retreats. The initial spark for Olamina Commons is mine, and I'm looking forward to sharing the process.