Logan Square Cooperative :: Communities Directory

Formed: 2001 Established: 2001

This page last updated:3/1/2012

Logan Square Cooperative

Chicago, Illinois,

United States

(Logan Square/Avondale neighborhoods)

UPDATE: We are anticipating a one-bedroom unit becoming available in November 2012.

The Logan Square Cooperative was purchased on 10/31/01 and includes 1 three-bedroom unit, 1 two-bedroom unit, 5 one-bedroom units, and 1 three-room studio.

We feel part of a real community with dynamic and diverse people (11 adults and 3 children) all dedicated to peace and justice and part of larger community as members of Logan Square Neighborhood Association. Child-friendly and pet-friendly. Lush garden, laundry facilities, and basement storage. Solar system for hot water installed and new back porches. Close to public transport (near Diversey and Pulaski); park and free swimming pool just a block away; garage space is rotated for $50 a month.

Our Coop is a limited equity coop because we are committed to long-term affordable housing. We have saved a large building from for-profit developers, and we are encouraging others to try the same. If a member moves out, (s)he only would take the amount put toward principal on the mortgage, downpayment, and major improvements (s)he put in that have been approved by the coop- that defines limited equity.

We are governed by By-Laws, the Principles of Unity, and Occupancy Agreements. Our criteria for membership include: Agreement with the principles of unity; commitment to affordable housing and living; commitment to keep Chicago a city in which affordable housing is available to everyone; a lifestyle and belief system which reflects commitment to social equality; financial stability to ensure financial commitment to the cooperative; willingness to make a commitment to living cooperatively by dedicating time and skills to cooperative work and activities; effectively communicating with members; ability to be flexible and tolerant and open to ideas and lifestyles of others; commitment to stay long term in LSC; has skills that would add to LSC existing skills, abilities and interests; Sense of humor and willingness to share joy; agreement on process of consensus decision making and willingness to learn and practice this process (Consensus is different from majority vote. We strive to ensure that each coop decision has the full backing of all of our members through adequate fact-finding, democratic discussion, and addressing the root cause of any objections).

Given the present economic crisis, this is your way to save money, live in better conditions, take a stand for affordable housing, and build community. As a member you would own a share in the Coop; the Coop owns the building.

Website: http://www.chicagocoop.net/logan-square-cooperative

Contact:

Mark Smithivas
3934 West George Street
Chicago, Illinois 60618 United States
Phone: 773-230-3149

Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)

This page last updated:3/1/2012

Visitors Accepted

(Visits scheduled as needed)

Visitor Process: Please contact us to schedule a visit.

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Comment: We are a welcoming, multi-generational community of activists

Population Members(adults and children): 14 (11 adults, 3 children) Non-member Residents: 0 Open to new members: Yes (We currently have an opening!)	Government Decision Making: By consensus (Consensus, -1) Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: No (Everyone is a Board Member)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes (If that member is currently stable) Labor Contribution: Expected (4-8 hours a month, meetings and committee work) Join Fee: Yes (Share price varies by unit) Regular Fees: Yes (Monthly carrying charge is ~$800)
Land and Buildings Urban (Located in bike-friendly Logan Square) Area: 0.2 acres (0.1 hectares) (It's a big yard for the city!) Land Owned By: The community Number of Residences: 8 (8 units in one building) Cohousing: No	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (Organic summer veggies and berries! Local CSAs available year-round) Share Community Meals: 1-3 times/month (Usually with member and committee meetings) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (We support CSAs and respect choices) Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (In moderation) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (Not preferred)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No Educational Style(s): Private school at the community :: Public schooled :: Private school off the property :: Home schooling (Families choose what's best for them)

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Become an Editor Current editor(s): msmithivas

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