Bartimaeus Community at Meadow Wood Condominum

Formed: 2002 Established: 2006

Bremerton, Washington,

United States

(Central Kitsap County - Voted one of America's Top Places for Raising a Family by Money Magazine; also recently identified as the top projected housing resale value holder in the national economy, out of 335 metropolitan markets surveyed, with projected values of 5% growth per annum for the next 10 years, at least)

This distinctive condominium neighborhood in Bremerton, Washington, offers quality, reasonably priced living in a spectacular waterfront and mountain setting, an hour away by ferry from Seattle.

Meadow Wood is reminiscent of a New England village, nestled in a gently sloping pasture, bordered by a creek, surrounded by tall trees and nature trails. Yet it is ideally located for "modern living," less than 10 minutes from two urban centers.

The layout of the site balances a desire for personal privacy with the social dynamics of a friendly, inter-generational community. We’re dedicated to bringing out the best in each other, through active listening, mutual respect, an appreciation of differences, and honest caring. Community decisions are made by consensus. There is no single leader, no pooled income, or other required communal practices. Residents either own their units, or rent from others who do. We are committed to an equitable stewardship of the land and resources, with a commitment to uphold the dignity of each person.

The vision of Bartimaeus Cohousing Community at Meadow Wood is to create a safe and welcoming place where people can substantially grow into the whole, healthy, unique persons God intended.

We are an innovative, consensus-governed, voluntary association of individuals, whose commitment to service is based on Christian values. It is not a denomination or a substitute for other local church involvement. Personal declarations of faith are not required or expected as a prerequisite to membership in Bartimaeus Cohousing Community or to home ownership. We ask our members to respect one another’s individual beliefs and the spiritual principles upon which the community and its actions are based.

One unit is a long-term guest home owned by Shepherds Sanctuary, a non-profit organization made up of many Meadow Wood residents. This unit is reserved for people or a family going through difficult circumstances to stay in while seeking life skills assistance and living within a supportive community. The foundation screens potential residents carefully for suitability.

Status: Completed

Website: http://www.bartcommunity.org

Contact:

Bartimaeus Cohousing at Meadow Wood
7777 Beacon Place NE
Bremerton, Washington 98311 United States
Phone: 360-779-2862 (Walter), 360-692-2310 (Christine)

Links:

See CBN article and video vignette

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

Former/Other Names: Bartimaeus Cohousing Community LLC

Last Updated:8/20/2009

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: Please contact us by email, and expect humorous, welcoming responses. While we are mainly from one faith perspective, we are not exclusively so, and welcome visitors and guests. We have a well-structured environment of "family values," on behalf of our children, yet welcome candid adult dialogue under appropriate circumstances. After receiving your request to visit, we will work together to accommodate those requests. We welcome an active slate of common house events and community outreach activities.

Affiliations: Temescal Commons Cohousing

Network Affiliations:

Coho/US

:: Washinngton State Community Associations Institute

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: The actual Fair Housing disclaimer on our website reads: In accordance with local, state, and federal Fair Housing Law, the Bartimaeus Community does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and handicap (disability) in the sale or rental of properties.

Population Members(adults and children): 55 Non-member Residents: 0 (Both owners and renters are members) Open to new members: Yes (Check website for units for sale/rent)	Government Decision Making: By consensus (with super-majority contingency as backup) Identified Leader: No (Board of Directors has officers for legal purposes, but our stated value is in diversity of leadership and rotating responsibilities.) Leadership Core Group: No (Board of Directors acts under consensus direction, with committee heads and other forms of leadership taking active, and revolving roles.)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances (Have economic assistance program funded by contributions) Labor Contribution: Expected (Goal is 8 hours/month/resident 16 years and above) Join Fee: No Regular Fees: Yes (Monthly condominium association dues cover water, sewer, garbage, internet, etc.)
Land and Buildings Suburban Area: 7 acres (2.8 hectares) (Three acres are developed; the rest is natural, including tree-rich creekside access along two property lines, open space, community garden areas, etc.) Land Owned By: The community (Condominium association owns land and buildings; individuals own their units) Number of Residences: 25 (There are 25 residences in 6 buildings and 1 house, along with a common house and other commonly-owned outbuildings.) Cohousing: Yes (Linking intentional community with cohousing and social/spiritual outreach.)	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (Have some individual garden plots, and anticipate community gardens, along with existing fruit trees. Some families are sponsors of community-supported agriculture.) Share Community Meals: 1 time/week (One dinner per week, two breakfasts per month, and one potluck and/or lunch per month are typical.) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (Our volunteer cooks try to be sensitive to food sensitivities among residents.) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (Most community meals include meat.) Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (No policies short of public intoxication.) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor spaces, as well as within individual homes.)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: Yes (Predominantly, but not exclusively, Christian. We welcome members who share our values commitments, and encourage positive interfaith dialogue. The group is respectfully inclusive.) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Other (The God of all creation has revealed wonderful things to people of all cultures!) Educational Style(s): Public schooled (Home schooling has been used by some.)

Cohousing Details

Cohousing Status:

Completed

(Check our website for any available rentals or resales.)

Year Completed:

2006

Number of Units:

25 units plus additional common house and other outbuildings

Square Feet in Common House:

2700

(Single story)

Architect:

Paul Eberharter, Eberharter Architects (Kingston, WA; Paul@eb-arch.com; www.eb-arch.com)

Developer:

Bartimaeus Cohousing, L.L.C. in conjunction with consultation by Cohousing Resources, L.L.C., Kraus-Fitch Architects, and Bill Parnell of TyCeCo (Kitsap County, WA)with Mark Kuhlman of Team 4 Engineering.

Commercial Lender:

Frontier Bank, WA

Click an image to see it full size.

Become an Editor Current editor(s): guyber, kww, walterbc

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