Ground-turning ceremony on the site of the common house - June 2002. Our Project Prairie Sky Cohousing is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was designed and built by us, the people who live here. The physical design is based on cohousing philosophy, which encourages social interaction and individual space. It was completed in the spring of 2003. The project consists of 18 units (2- and 3-bedroom townhouses and apartments) and a 3200 square foot common house located on 3/4 acre of inner-city land. There is a central courtyard with community gardens and a children's play area. The heart of the complex is the shared common house, which contains a large kitchen and dining room, lounge, two pianos, children's play room, laundry, TV room, studio, guest room, "quiet" room, and workshop. Parking is underground. Legal structure: strata title housing cooperative (each household owns its own home and share of the common facilities). About Housing Cooperatives Housing Cooperatives in Alberta fall into two categories: Continuing Housing Cooperatives and Ownership Cooperatives. The Continuing Co-op is probably the most familiar model. Members of a Continuing Housing Cooperative do not own their homes, and a monthly fee (similar to rent) is paid each month to the co-op to cover the mortgage and operating costs. In contrast, Prairie Sky is an Ownership Cooperative where each member owns their individual units by way of a strata title, similar to condominium ownership. In both types of co-ops, members own shares and collectively control the common areas and facilities. Our Development Partners  The Communitas Group - development consultants The Communitas Group, based in Edmonton, has specialized in creating multi-family cooperative projects for the past 27 years. Principal Lynn Hanley assisted writing legislation for home ownership cooperatives in Alberta. Lynn guided us with the planning, financing, and overall organization of the project. Brian Scott advised us on green construction options, interior details, and planning. Charles Durrett and Greg Ramsey – site and common house design architects Charles (Chuck) Durrett and associate Greg Ramsey came to Calgary in July 2001 and guided us through the site and common house design process. Chuck Durrett is co-author of the first book on cohousing in North America: "Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves" (1988, 1994, Ten Speed Press, Berkley, CA).  Bill Johnston – project architect Calgary architect Bill Johnston brought a keen eye for structural practicality. He was able to translate the concept design of Durrett and Ramsay and our wild ideas into a cost-conscious design. Avion Construction – construction manager Avion is a general contracting firm that has been working in the Calgary area for over 20 years. Their projects include commercial buildings as well as multi-residential projects. David Webber – legal counsel David Webber and his paralegal, Mervyne Patterson, gave us invaluable advice and assistance.