Once the sale of the Tivoli Housing Co-op was complete in 2014, the Common Fire Foundation shifted its focus dramatically, limiting itself to providing basic support for the Beacon Co-Housing community. The Foundation previously had a much more expansive vision of helping to support the creation of numerous intentional communities nationwide that shared our values related to communities as a foundation for personal and collective transformation. The information on this page represents our PREVIOUS more expansive vision and is provided here in the hopes that it may help to support or inspire other people’s efforts in this field.
Beneath the shine of the Platinum Certification and within the high-tech high-insulation walls of the building will exist a beautiful space dedicated to nurturing the people who nurture our local community and beyond - the Common Fire Housing Co-op.
For over a century housing co-ops have allowed people to come together to be more efficient with their time and money, to exercise more democratic control over their home environments, and to support each other in certain shared interests. The Common Fire housing co-op builds on this tradition by providing a vibrant and nurturing home for up to eleven people with a rich diversity of interest areas, skills, backgrounds, and ages -- and a shared commitment to serving their community and the environment.
While pursuing this commitment through their independent work and studies, the residents are able to explore how it can also imbue their personal lives. This exploration starts with the green building. It carries on through the choices they make about where they buy their food and what they eat, how they learn about the world, how they interact with each other and use their free time, and more. The insight and support they provide each other allow them to better align these daily choices with their highest aspirations for themselves and the world. Meanwhile, they are part of a rich exchange of ideas and inspiration with each other through everyday interactions and regular structured activities including discussions, guest speakers, videos, and trips.
By weaving opportunities for learning and changing into the fabric of everyday life, the co-op offers an unparalleled opportunity for ongoing personal and professional growth.
The co-op is set amidst 36 acres of land, 25 of which have a conservation easement forever protecting them as wild lands. The building is a single-family residence about 3600 square feet in size. It has two floors with seven bedrooms, all with natural light, forest views, and individual access to a courtyard in back. There is be a single main entrance, a single kitchen and pantry, a dining room, two living rooms, three bathrooms (one handicapped accessible), and a sheltered patio.
It has a guest room that for roughly half the year is used by guests of the residents. The other half the year it is made available free-of-charge for retreats for people dedicated to serving society and the environment. People who work at non-profits, teachers, health-care workers, artists and more are welcome to write or call us about staying at the co-op to reenergize themselves and be supported in a beautiful natural setting. Local yoga and dance studios and massage therapists are donating their services as well to help honor and sustain these people in their commitment.
Residents share the monthly mortgage payments and utilities (which are minor thanks to the efficiency of the building), plus the costs of minor repairs, contributions to a pool of capital for major repairs, and shared food costs.
The land and building are owned by Common Fire and Common Fire's Board of Directors oversee all matters relating to finances and the integrity of the building and the land. Most other matters are decided and dealt with by the residents themselves. In time, as individuals naturally move on from the co-op, new residents are selected by the current residents. All residents complete periodic questionnaires as part of an ongoing evaluation effort on the part of Common Fire.
Continue the tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Co-op Living