Groundbreaking Kicks Off Construction
We have broken ground! On Friday, November 3, 2017, Fair Oaks EcoHousing members gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for our cohousing community.
About 60 enthusiastic people attended the groundbreaking at the construction site and a celebration afterward at nearby Smokey Oaks Tavern.
Future residents brought their shovels and actually broke the ground to kick off construction. Luckily, the forecasted rain held off!
Featured speakers included:
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Katie McCamant, CoHousing Solutions, Development Consultant
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Chuck Durrett, McCamant & Durrett, Project Architect
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Katherine Bardis & Rachel Bardis, Bardis Homes, General Contractor
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Susan Peters, Sacramento County Supervisor, District 3
Many people complimented the architect and Fair Oaks EcoHousing on the beautiful design of the community. Owner-occupied homes will cluster around the central 3,800-square-foot club house and shared open space, creating a pedestrian-friendly village for residents of all ages. The homes range from 934-square-foot single-level flats to 1,726-square-foot two-story townhomes. Only a few homes have not yet been spoken for (act fast if you are interested).
Residents will have access to extensive common facilities, including a pool and spa, workshop, garden, and the club house with a large dining/meeting room, kitchen, lounge, multipurpose rooms, and two guest bedrooms.
The project represents a culmination of more than 10 years of planning. Future residents participated in the design and development to reflect their needs and priorities, creating a truly custom neighborhood. By combining private homes with a centrally-located club house and extensive shared amenities, they have designed an active and involved community of neighbors who know and care about each other.
All photos by Louise Mitchell. Please contact us for availability of these and additional photos.
Joined by Our Team of Professionals
As part of the celebration, featured guests included the development consultant Katie McCamant, Civil Engineer Richard Rozumowicz, construction project manager Darryl Berlin, the architect Chuck Durrett , founder and future resident Marty Maskall and the builders Rachel & Katherine Bardis
Susan Peters, Sacramento County Supervisor, District 3
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Quotes
Future residents at the event had much to say:
From Marty: "I was thrilled to see how many people joined us for the Groundbreaking. Supervisor Susan Peters complimented the future residents on our persistence to pursue our vision. I can't wait until the homes are built and we can move in."
“I feel as though we have somehow emerged as victors after a sustained battle with numerous obstacles. I am optimistic about all of our futures!”
– Anne Birchfield
“It was a fun event. Well worth the trip up and back from Santa Clara.”
– Al Lampel
And we had support from other cohousing communities:
Bob M, Wolf Creek Lodge Cohousing in Grass Valley, said:
“We need more cohousing communities. I was delighted to join the Fair Oaks EcoHousing Community and celebrate their major accomplishments. They have land, a bank loan, a general contractor and only three more homes to sell. Congratulations on your perseverance.”
"What an exciting day -- to see all of you there with your shovels, spades, and smiles. We are looking forward to following in your footsteps. Thanks for leading the way!"
-- Anne Geraghty, Washington House Cohousing, a forming group in West Sacramento