N Street Cohousing

N Street Cohousing is unusual because it has arisen by gradual evolution in the midst of existing suburban development in Davis, California. As of October 2009, we have grown to 19 houses by a process of adding one house at a time as they become available. As we have taken down the fences between them, we integrated the backyard landscaping. We also added two houses from across the street. The ownership structure is very diverse - some houses are owned by community residents, some by absentee landlords, and others as partnerships of (former) tenants in the community. Even though it arose in a much different manner than other communities, N Street Cohousing has all the attributes of a classic cohousing community. Because of the way it grew, our community is termed "retrofit cohousing" and is a leading example how to create community in existing neighborhoods.

Since the first two houses were joined in 1986, the community has grown to 50 adults and 14 kids. We live together as an intentional community, sharing much of the joys and pains of our lives with each other. We support each other in difficulty and celebrate in success. We sometimes vacation together. We have even been known to fall in love and marry each other. However, we live in our own homes and have our own yards (though without any fences). Each of us can be private when we want to be. Each household sets its own culture for visiting, borrowing, and participating.

In 1990, the community began using the garage of what would become the common house as a communal dining place. In 1991, the transition was complete and a communal kitchen and dining room were secured with the garage being converted to a meeting, TV, and piano room.

In 1999 the community was rezoned as a planned development by the city council. As a planned development, the community can build larger granny flats (second unit apartments) than are allowed in the surrounding neighborhood. Setback easements are slightly more relaxed. After many years of planning, the original common house building was torn down in 2005 and a new common house was built and ready for occupancy in April of 2006. Upstairs was added a four bedroom, two bathroom apartment. Downstairs has the community's dining room for 50, a large kitchen, a TV/meeting room, a bathroom and a shared laundry room. In addition, a two-room-plus-bath wheelchair accessible suite was added to the front of the house with a nice big porch. In back a new patio and eating area are being designed and landscaped.