Moseley Architects was recently selected to partner with Cohousing of Greater Baltimore in creating their new community for active adults near Hampden. The 1.1-acre site will house the first cohousing community in Baltimore, and the first built for seniors in the state of Maryland.
Baltimore is not new to Moseley Architects, as they’ve served the metropolitan area and the state of Maryland for more than 55 years. Their portfolio includes designing over 24,000 multifamily housing units, from townhouses and single-family homes to multi-story high-rise apartment buildings. The team’s experience spans the spectrum of housing solutions. Moseley brings a demonstrated commitment to sustainability as well, that prioritizes long-term efficiency for the homes it will build for the residents.
Cohousing communities include a mix of individually owned homes and common areas and amenities, promoting independent living in a socially vibrant, communal setting. These communities are self-run and self-managed. Residents are responsible for planning social activities and taking care of the indoor and outdoor common spaces.
The new cohousing community near Hampden, while not age-exclusive, will target active adults aged 55+ and their families. Accessibility and interconnectedness will be at the fore and the design will cater to a wide range of needs.
Residents will have access to communal spaces, which they will also help maintain. These spaces are meant to foster a strong sense of community through things like shared meal preparation, dining, and other group activities. The goal is to fend off feelings of isolation by strengthening social bonds among the residents.
The community will house approximately 32 individually owned market-rate condos, each with a complete kitchen, and indoor and outdoor living areas. There will be a central space called the Common House, which will likely include a large dining room, kitchen, lounge, workshop, and guest rooms.
Residents themselves manage the community, and future residents who are involved early in the process, called “explorers,” provide feedback that is included in the design process. Living so close to Hampden will make walking, shopping, and dining out in that neighborhood incredibly accessible to residents.
Katie McCamant, president of Cohousing Solutions, Inc., will lead discussions with explorers in helping shape the ultimate design. Cohousing of Greater Baltimore will hold three virtual information sessions in March, and a kickoff workshop will take place in early April. The March sessions will take place on March 1, 13, and 24. The kickoff workshop will take place on April 5-6. To register and learn more about these events, please visit their website by clicking this link.
