We are an independent housing co-op in a historic neighborhood on the near west side of Madison, Wisconsin. The co-op was formed in 1970 when we obtained ownership of a large, three-story house from an agricultural fraternity at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
We all share the duties of running the house, from cooking to cleaning to keeping the books, through a work-job system that entails about five hours per week of work, plus dish-washing or floor-mopping duty every week or so.
The heart of our community life revolves around the delicious, vegetarian-option house meals served Sunday through Thursday at 6pm. We make decisions, usually by simple majority, at house meetings held every two and a half weeks. Temporary committees are regularly created to handle specific projects such as financial planning or landscape planning.
What makes us special? We’re a bunch of quirky, unrelated folks who manage to operate almost like a family and run a clean, friendly home, and it works!
The membership has gone through many changes since then, but the goal has always been to provide affordable housing in a friendly, family-like community environment. Our diverse membership includes students, professionals, and working folks from all walks of life, and we share no particular political or ideological bent.
For local membershippers attend three dinners and submit an application.
For long distance membershippers, attend two meeting over Zoom, complete a questionnaire, and submit and application.
Preference is not given to either local or long distance membershippers.
Membershippper applications must be unanimously approved.
We are unable to provide housing for visitors, but interested people are welcome to join us for dinner and conversation. Please call in advance or e-mail me********@**********ue.coop if interested in membershipping.
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
More than 50% agreement needed.
Members elect leaders who make decisions within defined roles.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Join fee: $550
Regular fees: $500
Labor: Yes (5 hrs/week)
Monthly contribution ranges from $440 -$792 as of 2022, depending on room size.
Common House, Garden(s), Library, Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Internet
Within city limits with access to urban amenities and infrastructure.
Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
kitchens, dining, and social areas.
Cooperative housing primarily for students, often with shared chores,
meals, and democratic decision-making.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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