The first phase of construction for Bloomington’s first cohousing community is underway.
Loren Wood Builders started breaking ground and pouring footers for the project’s first four homes on South Maxwell St. near the YMCA Monday.
The community will include several smaller homes that are centered around shared yards and buildings.
The builder expects to complete 10 to 12 homes over the next four months. There will be 25 homes total when the project finishes in 2021. More information can be found at the websites for Bloomington Cohousing and Loren Wood Builders.
Builders are working on the houses closest to the community center first and construction will spread out to the rest of the property in the later phases.
Project Manager Lloyd Williams says there are five committed homeowners already and the communal aspect of cohousing is driving interest to live there.
“To have a community where you’re actually… where you have the opportunity to connect with your neighbors on a regular basis and that’s encouraged," Williams says. "I think that really appeals to people.”
Some of the common facilities will include laundry, kitchens and potentially guest rooms.