How to Create a Community House, Club House, Gathering Place?

[Marie Keller]

Hey Mary, I live in Charleston,SC. As cohousing communities start coming together I am curious about the need to have a blue print of what the "Community House, Club House, Gathering place" What the main hub of the village would look like. I have always visualized a really cozy but fairly large home (4,000 sq ft) that could serve as a bed and breakfast, having a nice dining area and a nice kitchen ( like the idea of people in the community having nights that come in and cook a meal for a group)having an exercise studio and a pool. Can you give me some idea of what is out there or if this kind of "hub home" exist in Cohousing communities? Thanks, Marie Keller

[Mary B.]

Hi, Marie!
Our coho has buildings in a U-shape around a courtyard. To the left, a kids playroom next to a playground. This room also doubles as an extra guest room (futons). Then the walkway to the pool, and the back building has a laundry room, gym, crafts room an guest room. Walkway to the mailboxes and parking lot. The building to the right is one open floor plan with the kitchen, dining room and a lounge area. All the spaces get a great deal of use, often with multiple functions happening at the same time.