Sustainable cohousing project Washington Commons brings community to West Sacramento
The way we plan for housing can mitigate some of our climate change emissions. Washington Commons Cohousing offers an innovative solution to reduce the use of natural resources and foster community connection.
Cohousing is a form of homeownership that combines privacy, community and resident collaboration. It creates opportunities for neighbors to bump into each other and form natural connections. Cohousing communities share many common amenities including guest rooms and outdoor spaces. Washington Commons’ community kitchen and dining room will offer occasional common meals, where neighbors can gather for good food and conversation.
Many are returning to the ideals of traditional neighborhoods, which had a strong sense of community, fewer cars and people walking everywhere. After the pandemic boom and resulting feelings of overwhelming isolation, cohousing developments dramatically rose in popularity to meet changing needs.
Washington Commons follows California’s new energyefficiency requirements by incorporating heat pumps, a combined hot water system and solar into their new development. The 35 condominium flats will also reduce impact by being part of a four-story building on their all-electric, 0.5-acre property.
“The site is the first thing that supports sustainability,” says Project Manager Danny Milman. Most members seek to use fewer resources and live in a friendly neighborhood, but still often idealize single-family homes.
“We are creating the kind of development that will make a difference — and I am thrilled to be part of it,” says Washington Commons member Stu Pettygrove, congressional liaison for the local chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
Its urban location supports reduced car travel as they’re within walking distance to many things — downtown Sacramento and all that it has to offer, the Amtrak Station, restaurants, recreation, nature and much more.
Milman surveyed the current members and discovered they now live on an average of 0.5-acre sites. Moving into smaller homes supports a significant reduction in energy usage through sharing walls, roofs, water and sewer systems, thus reducing each member’s impact on the environment. Since most members anticipate downsizing, they’ll need less furniture, cleaning supplies and tools.
“UC Davis researchers will be conducting ‘before and after’ travel surveys of our members, to determine how the site location will affect future travel patterns.
It is expected that auto trips will be significantly reduced both in terms of number and length,” says Washington Commons Founder Anne Geraghty.
Members are excited to be part of an engaged community and the exciting metropolitan Sacramento region; close to the center of activity yet near the Sacramento River and nature. The site will also have plenty of bike storage and EV chargers. The group has been amazed to see such unbridled support in their mission to use less.
Washington Commons still has a few condominium homes available to reserve. Head to www.washingtoncommons.org to learn how to join the cohousing movement.