June 2021

People Connected, Naturally Powered

Located in the Geos Neighborhood
in Arvada, Colorado



Update on the Land: We Have Builders
We Need an Investor
We Have Part of the Investment We Need
We continue to plan for a pre-sold unit model for building the Gatehouse, our future home.  That approach requires three actors: buyers, a builder, and an investor (to buy the land, architectural drawings, and permits).  We have the buyers and likely builders.  We need investors.
The builders say that building materials are expensive right now (https://realeconomy.rsmus.com/house-of-the-rising-costs-construction-materials-surge-amid-higher-demand-supply-constraints/). Currently, they cannot build for an affordable price and cannot find an investor who will invest for breaking ground any earlier than next year, 2022. They advise us to secure the land now so we can build next year, when construction industry insiders tell us that the cost of building supplies should go down as supplies catch up with demand.

We have found an investor for part of the cost.  We still need more money if we want to at least buy the land before someone else does. With the land secured, we still have to pay for the architectural plans and permits before we could build, and we likely could not find a builder for a reasonable price not until some of the materials become less expensive, next year. Do you know anyone who might make up the difference for investment? Send them to us! Tori at 303-704-2168.
(The photo is the work going on to finish up the infrastructure for the land we want.  Once they are done, the land can be sold.)

June & July Video Chats

Friday, June 18
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
and
Friday, July 16
We started our video chat before COVID, a way for people all over the world to find out more about Ralston Creek Co-housing. But, it is perfect for sheltering in place. Can’t make an in-person event? Or, don’t do those anymore? No problem! Grab your favorite cuppa, get comfy on your couch, and meet with us online.

We hold a video conference every 3rd Friday that you can join through a browser on your computer or smart phone. On the call, we’ll introduce ourselves and show you pictures and details about our community plans at Ralston Creek. You will be able to see and hear everyone on the call and ask questions.

To register for the meeting, send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll send you the link you will need to attend the meeting. If you’re out of the area, this is Mountain Time.
Going Deep!

The houses at Geos are really airtight, so not many outside sounds get in.  But, when Geos resident look outside these days, they see a lot of activity going on.  Phases II & III of Geos are getting underway!

We plan to build the Ralston Creek CoHousing community in the Geos Neighborhood. Geos has about 25 acres of land.  Five of the acres are designated flood control, next to the Ralston Creek.  The other 20 are set out in 10 lots with 3 phases of building planned for 300 single family homes, townhouses, and multi-family units.  Phase I is almost complete, in Lot 10, where the first 35 families have been moving in.  Last fall, Peak Development bought the other 9 lots where Phases II and III will be built.  Now Peak is putting in the infrastructure, preparing the lots for sale to builders.

It's pretty exciting to see those big vehicles at work, moving around the dirt. This week they dug some trenches in Lot 9, the lot where we hope to build.  Check out some of these pictures, courtesy of John Avenson, a solar power expert and friend of Geos the goats.


Virtual Happy Hour

Friday, June 11th
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm




Join the members of Ralston Creek Cohousing for a lively discussion online. Bring your favorite snack, dessert, and/or beverage and let’s discuss community living! Held every 2nd Friday. This month, we’ll start the conversation with a welcome to summer, with thoughts about our summer plans.

June 11 Theme Changes in Our Lives with Loosening COVID Restrictions [Coronavirus Mask]

July 9 Theme Summer Solstice [Standing Stones with Summer Solstice Sunlight]


If you would like to attend, please send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll send you the link.

Moving the Goats
Stay tuned for next date
Geos doesn’t mow the weeds in the areas where the houses haven’t been built. We have goats to keep them under control. They move with their fencing around the property, munching on the plants and fascinating the neighborhood children (and their parents).  A group of dedicated Geos and Ralston Creek Cohouser goat keepers get together to move their fences to a new “pasture” every month or so.

We don't have a date yet for the the next move to their summer pasture, but we'll announce it when we do.  We’ll follow with apple juice and coffee for the goat crew and their supporters.  Anyone who wants to help with the goats is welcome, and the rest of us can cheer them on!

If you don’t know where the goats are, meet at Tori’s Townhouse,15047 W. 68th Pl., Arvada, CO 80007. She’ll send you out to the goats.

Become an Explorer

Want to know more about cohousing and Ralston Creek? We welcome you to become an Explorer Member. As an Explorer, you will have the opportunity to fully explore Ralston Creek Cohousing, attend business meetings, and get to know (and have a lot of fun) with your future neighbors.

For more information about the membership process, please visit our website Path To Membership
Want to know more? Give us a call or send us an email!


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Ralston Creek Cohousing 303-704-2168

Email us at: [email protected]

Visit our web site at: www.ralstoncreekcohousing.org