Auburn Cohousing planning Getting-It-Built workshop

Auburn Cohousing is planning host a two-day workshop to organize the cohousing community project slated for North Auburn. The workshop was originally scheduled for Oct. 2 and 3 in the Rose Room at Auburn City Hall, however, Auburn Cohousing member and future resident Merrill Kagan-Weston said the group is looking for a new venue due to COVID concerns. Cohousing communities are neighborhoods with a shared open space, garden and various facilities like a dining hall, guest rooms or pool, according to Auburn Cohousing. These custom-built communities also allow residents to assist in the design of the neighborhood. The two-day Getting-It-Built Workshop will be facilitated by Cohousing Company Architect Chuck Durrett and will explore design and finance options and organize the group to work together on the project. According to Kagan-Weston, the group will explore integrating seniors and multigenerational families or keeping them in separate wings of the 4-acre property off Atwood Road, and hear from various guest speakers talking about different steps in the build process. "It is an educational workshop for people who are interested in our community, and also if they're interested in any cohousing community," Kagan-Weston said. Participants are encouraged to attend both workshop days, and registration is required. Registration prices are $500 for one person and $700 for two individuals from the same household. Checks can be made payable to Cohousing Company and mail to Ruth Wessman, P.O. Box 7513, Auburn 95604. "If people are interested in this community at all, this is a great place to get involved in the decision-making process from the ground up," Kagan-Weston said. Kagan-Weston said the group is discussing plans on when and where the workshop can be held, and registration is still being accepted. For more information about cohousing or registration for the workshop, email cohoauburn@gmail.com.