On Bozeman’s south side, homes in Montana’s first co-housing community are ready and residents are moving in. “It’s been a long process, but we’re excited that our vision is becoming reality,” said co-founder, Kathleen Owkes.

The development began in 2019 when Kathleen and Mark Owkes joined forces with Erik Bonnett to create a community of privately owned homes centered around shared common areas.  They envisioned spontaneous interactions and mutual support among neighbors who share a dedication to small-footprint, environmentally focused living.

Erik Bonnet was the lead architect. “The project is socially and environmentally groundbreaking. A net-zero community of this size is truly innovative, and it’s the first cohousing community in the northern Mountain West. The first of both in the region, in fact. That’s worth celebrating.”

Megan and Chad Welborn became members knowing that their daughter will have safe unstructured playtime with other kids in the community. “We’ve already developed personal relationships with our neighbors.  We know we’ll be there for each other and look out for all of our kids.”

Bozeman Cohousing provides a home base for Peter and Nancy Bryant’s retirement in Bozeman where their daughter and family live.  A future community- shared woodworking shop is of special interest to Peter. Nancy is excited about her involvement in designing and installing a landscape of native plants.

Community members will have the option to prepare and share community meals in the Common House, participate in spontaneous and planned activities with their neighbors, or just relax and enjoy the views of Frog Rock, Bridger Ridge, and Mt Ellis. 

While opportunities for social engagement abound, members’ privately-owned homes provide a space for pursuing one’s own interests and way of life.  Bozeman Co-housing homes are like any others in that way.  “I really like the community interactions and spontaneous activities. And I like having my own private home to come back to,” said Erika Share.  “It’s not just a neighborhood for extroverts. It’s a neighborhood for everyone.”

To learn more about Bozeman Cohousing and stay informed about a future open house, visit bozemancohousing.com