The best next step is simply to get to know us and see whether 4th Corner Commons feels like a community you’d enjoy calling home. We encourage you to reach out to our community coordinator, Shelly, at 425-308-0639, and/or attend one of our information meetings.

Shelly is happy to talk with you about the many ways to learn more about us, including becoming an Explorer. This gives you time to understand our vision for community living while also sharing your own hopes and questions. As we like to say, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.”

Before reserving a home, we ask that people spend time with us as Explorers. At 4th Corner Commons, you’re not just reserving a house—you’re joining a community committed to living more connected lives together.

As an Explorer, you’ll have many opportunities to get to know current members, ask questions, and learn about the financial commitment involved, including joining our Limited Liability Company (LLC) and staying current on cash calls. Shelly is always available to walk you through this process and answer any questions you may have.

2026 will be a year focused on working with the City of Bellingham to secure entitlements and permits. We hope to begin construction in early 2027, with move-in anticipated in early 2029.

We plan to offer a range of thoughtfully designed floorplans, including:

• 1 bedroom / 1 bath

• 2 bedroom / 1 bath

• 2 bedroom / 1.5 bath

• 2 bedroom / 2 bath

• 2 bedroom / 2 bath with additional office space

Yes

Yes

Yes. Garages will be available for an additional fee on a first-come basis.

Yes, pets will be welcome.

Absolutely. Fun fact: many cohousing communities have more introverts than extroverts. Introverts often find cohousing especially appealing because connection is available—but never required. With community built in, it’s easier to engage on your own terms.

All community members serve on the HOA Board, and everyone has an equal voice in decision-making. We use Sociocracy as our governance structure, which emphasizes listening, transparency, and valuing all perspectives.

We believe this approach leads to better decisions and fewer challenges down the road. And because we’re human, we know conflict will arise. Between now and move-in, we plan to intentionally build our skills around communication and conflict navigation. We’re committed to working through challenges together, knowing this is what creates a resilient and healthy community.

We do. There is no outside management company; 4th Corner Commons is self-managed by its members.

Legally, 4th Corner Commons will function like a typical Homeowners Association, with each household owning their own home. We are committed to maintaining an active interest list even after move-in, so there will be a strong pool of potential buyers if you or your estate ever decide to sell.

Cohousing communities typically experience much less turnover than traditional neighborhoods, which tends to create strong demand for available homes.

We have not yet set a specific requirement. Based on the culture we’re creating, we expect community members to contribute as they are able, rather than tracking a fixed number of hours. Our goal is shared responsibility balanced with flexibility.

Sustainability is woven into both our design and our way of living. Plans include EV charging stations and energy-efficient homes. But perhaps most importantly, cohousing naturally reduces resource use through sharing.

There’s a common cohousing saying: “Why does every household need their own lawnmower?” We plan to share tools through a community shop, provide guest suites so not every home needs a spare bedroom, and offer shared meals that save time, money, and energy. Living together simply makes it easier to use fewer resources.

Yes. We plan to include two guest suites that can be reserved for visitors.

Our Common House is designed to support connection and everyday living. Planned amenities include:

• A large kitchen and dining area for shared meals

• A workshop for fixing and building

• A cozy multi-purpose room for smaller gatherings

• A fitness room

• Bicycle storage

• And more

We’re still working out the specifics, but shared meals in cohousing are typically simple, home-style meals—not formal dinner parties. Meals are usually prepared by a small team, making the process both manageable and enjoyable. Shared meals are about nourishment and connection, not perfection.

Our focus will be on the question: “How will we live together?” We’ll be developing community agreements through structured gatherings that emphasize listening, understanding, and mutual respect. We believe that when people come together with shared intention and openness, it’s possible to create agreements that truly work for everyone.

Our goal is to have all homes reserved by the end of 2026. If cohousing is something you’re considering, we encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later.

f you haven’t already, we invite you to read the bios on our Meet Us page. In our culture, we’re used to choosing houses—but not neighbors. Cohousing turns that upside down. People join because of the people; the new home is a bonus.

We think of ourselves as welcoming, fun, and deeply committed to community. Or, as one well-known sentiment puts it: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” We hope you’ll give us the chance to get to know you—and consider joining us at 4th Corner Commons.