Shirley Risser, September 1996

Sharingwood started as an intentional community in 1982 when Shirley Risser, age 72, bought half interest in a 38 acre parcel of land with the intention to create a cooperative community based on private homes with shared common elements. After the original land plat for 30 homes was approved in 1988, and after the first wave of houses was built, we learned about Cohousing from Katy and Chuck and right away thought, AHA! Cohousing describes perfectly what we are doing here.

Early Community Photo

In 1990, a second wave of members joined, mostly younger couples with children. In 1991, after two years of legal work, we became the first "open air" condominium in Washington State and we eventually received titles to our lots. Six homes were built before titles for lots were available. Faith!

Between 1992 and today we have completed construction in all but two building units, and built a common house, two playgrounds, a greenhouse, community gardens, and several other improvements. In 1992, we started community dinners, first rotating among member"s homes, then remodeling a basement to use as a temporary common house.

In 1993 the first "phase" of Sharingwood sold out and we began work on the second phase. In January 1995 we sold out all the Phase II options. In the spring we began construction on our common house. Towards the end of the year we came to consensus on a Phase II site plan. In February 1996 we began using our mostly completed common house for dinners and meetings. In 1999 we received all the permits and after installing the entire infrastructure, we began the process of adding new homes, a playfield, and our large community garden.