We are an independent housing co-op in a historic neighborhood on the near west side of Madison, Wisconsin. The co-op was formed in 1970 when we obtained ownership of a large, three-story house from an agricultural fraternity at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. We all share the duties of running the house, from cooking to cleaning to keeping the books, through a work-job system that entails about five hours per week of work, plus dish-washing or floor-mopping duty every week or so. The heart of our community life revolves around the delicious, vegetarian-option house meals served Sunday through Thursday at 6pm. We make decisions, usually by simple majority, at house meetings held every two and a half weeks. Temporary committees are regularly created to handle specific projects such as financial planning or landscape planning. What makes us special? We’re a bunch of quirky, unrelated folks who manage to operate almost like a family and run a clean, friendly home, and it works!
The membership has gone through many changes since then, but the goal has always been to provide affordable housing in a friendly, family-like community environment. Our diverse membership includes students, professionals, and working folks from all walks of life, and we share no particular political or ideological bent.
For local membershippers attend three dinners and submit an application. For long distance membershippers, attend two meeting over Zoom, complete a questionnaire, and submit and application. Preference is not given to either local or long distance membershippers. Membershippper applications must be unanimously approved.
More than 50% agreement needed.
Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Common House, Garden(s), Library, Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Internet, Basic tools, outdoor grill
Within city limits with access to urban amenities and infrastructure.
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