Communal Living in Detroit

**Lowell** · August-26-11, 06:47 PM

I lived for a long time in a communal setting at 45 Colorado in Highland Park starting in 1972. Communal living was very common then and there were several in that area. The large arts and crafts style houses were ideal as they had 4-5 rooms, with large common areas, basement and backyards.

The house was being rented when I moved in and in a couple of years as the housemates came and went, I became the lease holder. In 1978 I bought it when it became cheaper to pay a monthly land contract note than to rent it, it was at the height of the 'white flight' so I got it for next to nothing, continuing its co-op existence for another ten years.

They were amazing, fun-filled years, with legendary parties and inexpensive yet very elegant living - long summer evenings in the hammocks in the lush back garden planted by the Italian predecessors and jovial winter nights around the big roaring fire place. The house mates where generally creatives, artists, musicians, dancers and writers, so it was a very enriching experience as well.

With the economics of the present and so many living at home with their parents, and so many inexpensive houses this seems like a no-brainer bargain way of living for today's young urban generation.

http://corridortribe.com/snap_shots/..._coop_1980.htm

**BrushStart** · August-26-11, 06:51 PM

Wow, that sounds like it must have been a blast!

**Zacha341** · August-27-11, 02:24 PM

Yes, I attended a couple of cookouts and events on Colorado back in my art school days. Nice vibe and tons of fun and it seemed like an ideal situation. Brings back memories...

Originally Posted by Lowell

I lived for a long time in a communal setting at 45 Colorado in Highland Park starting in 1972. Communal living was very common then and there were several in that area. The large arts and crafts style houses were ideal as they had 4-5 rooms, with large common areas, basement and backyards.
http://corridortribe.com/snap_shots/..._coop_1980.htm

**sumas** · August-28-11, 09:17 AM

My husband and I own and operate a communal living home. There is major pluses and also negatives. Feel free to PM me and can share all that info.

Do have a room to rent so you may want to try living it before embarking on your own. Our house is Arts and Crafts and 105 yrs old. Cable, internet, washer/dryer kitchen priveleges, storage available. Near downtown, WSU and med center. Quiet neighborhood, sweet neighbors. Huge yard and we do a major party once a month. I love to cook and current residents love to eat. Mostly I am happy with our life style. Three dogs one cat and plan to add one more cat. Friends came over yesterday with BBQ chicken, we ordered pizza and appetizers. This morning I see all was eaten which makes me happy. Did all the dishes with no complaints. People here know I hate doing dishes and frequently clean them for me.

You will need to be flexible, tolerant and dare I say it, ecletic. Also a little tough. Sometimes people don't fit in. They do get voted out. Current ages here range from 30's to Fifties.

Actually my biggest bitch is when people do not return silverware to the kitchen. I keep complete silverware for twenty in kitchen and the other day I had just one regular fork and one salad fork. Pitched a hissy and miraculously all were returned.

Good luck with your concept. Be picky about who lives with you. It can be great fun or an occaisional nightmare!

Sumas

**Bigb23** · August-28-11, 10:46 AM

I was in the day[[1970), where I looked for a commune. Kentucky, Northern California, etc. But you realize that Hostels are the way to go. Some will scream Communism, but for a young person, that's the way to go.

Good luck.

**scubanaut** · September-16-11, 04:21 PM

Sumas, Hi Sumas,

You own and operate a communal living home, how rad! That is basically what I am talking about trying to do.

So far actually aquiring a home has been a challenge. A lot of the good deals out there right now require a ton of cash, which we don't have.

[[We = my husband and I. I just got married, and totally didn't even mention that in my first post. whoops! so there are 2 of us, not just one. Not sure we could fit in your house without crowding you! Makes it a little tougher to find ppl who want 2 new roommates.)

I'm really interested in your lifestyle. If it's not too nosy, I'd love to know more. You seem to have good experience and advice. maybe we could even meet. If you are close to the Wayne State area it's totally doable [[I bike there everyday).

Cheers!
Michelle
ps PM me, and maybe we can email. [[I think your PM inbox is full!) thanks!