A Vision of Third Space

Vision for Connected, Livable Place to call Home

"Third Place” is a concept coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, "third places" refer to the social environments distinct from home (the first place) and work (the second place) where people gather, connect, and build community. Examples include: Parks, Town squares, Coffee shops, Libraries, Community centers.

These spaces have been declining in many areas due to suburban sprawl, which prioritizes private homes and car-centric infrastructure over walkable public gathering places. This trend reduces opportunities for casual social interactions, which are vital for fostering community and civic engagement.

Our project envisions an integrated approach to creat first and third places, with some members also being able to make the space their source of revenue. 

Key Considerations for Starting (an urban infill) Co-Housing Project

What makes an appropriate lot?

• At least 5 acres, with zoning that allows for mixed use or cluster development

• Infrastructure: Town water and sewer and adequate footage to allow housing to be concentrated, leaving at least 50% of the land for common use structures and nature. Plan for underground electric as much as possible for aesthetics

• Is in a locality that vibes with the vision

• Regulatory Framework: Collaborate with city planners to ensure the project complements local demographics and addresses potential equity concerns. Position the development as a cottage court or subdivision to align with existing zoning laws.

• Design Priorities: Emphasize pedestrian-friendly layouts, communal green spaces, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

What is the community focus?

• Individuals committed to a balance of autonomy and collaboration

• Mixed age and backgrounds

• Spiritual practice and personal growth are foundational to the mindset of this particular co-housing. No specific religion or practice is prescribed, but the desire is to live in community with others who are committed to personal accountability, clear communication and mutual aid as shared life purpose.

• Hybrid (and emerging) decision-making approaches that balance majority rule with consensus where critical.

• Equity-focused pricing models that include equal exchange for labor, expertise, and financial investment.

• Land and build out includes shared amenities & assets that will help residents generate revenue, save money, and have an overall improved quality of life

What does the physical construction look like?

• House Style: Mix of unit sizes and affordability tiers to support diversity in ages stages and economies 

• Style: design is homey, earthy, sustainable sturdy “right sized” homes. 

• Shared Amenities: Incorporate facilities like art studio, gardens, and sustainable features (e.g., solar, water reclamation). Establish programs to attract diverse buyers, such as outreach in underserved co

• Land Use: Minimize driveways and garages, centrale parking to front/edge of property, reclaiming space for shared areas while ensuring market-rate returns for builders.

• Retreat Integration: Include a retreat center with event space, outdoor glamping areas, and flexible accommodations to support income generation and community engagement. Space can host daycare/homeschool during the day, dances/meetings in the evenings and retreats/events on the weekends.

What is the financial structure?

• Phased Investment:

  • Initial land acquisition and planning costs are covered by early investor/founders

  • Buyers & renters occupy and pay for their individual homes, with some units sold at cost to ensure affordability.

  • Higher-priced units subsidize community features and equity-building initiatives.

• Affordability Model: Create a "pay-what-you-can" equity model that balances cost and inclusivity and allows “early investors” to bring valuable skills and labor and/or cash. 

• Home/land as revenue stream: Community members can leverage shared spaces for their own income (e.g., retreats, art sales, childcare, social media) and to invest back into community assets.

Ownership

• Seeding - Acquisition: Founders identify and secure land that aligns with the vision and offers potential for community-focused development.

• Collaboration - Early build: Funders invite early seeders to collaboratively fund planning, zoning, and infrastructure. Option once land is acquired to include members who contribute expertise, labor, etc. as well as financial investment. Use of traditional funding methods “as if” its a traditional for profit subdevelopment.

• Buyers, Renters, HOA: Build-sell-rent units in a manner, with marketing and community outreach and interview process to attract new residents who want to participate in co-housing rather than traditional me-my-mine suburban sprawl.

• Transition: As buyers join, initial funders transition to equal ownership and decision making with other buyers/renters.

• Owner Autonomy: Ensure residents can sell or rent their homes freely while maintaining their rights as community members.