The commonhouse is a building designed to be the focus of the community, and is owned and used by all the residents. The commonhouse kitchen and meeting area creates an opportunity for community parties and gatherings. The commonhouse is generally larger with amenities and facilities not normally available to a small development. The green space also belongs to the community and often includes flower and vegetable gardens, tot parks, playgrounds, bike and walking paths. A Homeowners Association or Condo Association is made up of all the residents and assumes the management responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of buildings and land, just as other communities do across the country.
Residents actively participate by working on various committees for the community.
Monthly maintenance fees are charged enabling the community to employ outside contractors and purchase necessary supplies. The committee that manages the community is rotated to avoid entrenchment. Experience from other cohousing communities has shown that active participation from the residents from the beginning of the project is both empowering and bonding. Building a neighborhood is hard work. Working together and actively participating in the development and design process forges a strong and well functioning community.