Haystack Heights cohousing community breaks ground

Spokane’s first cohousing community recently broke ground in the Perry District.

Haystack Heights, which has been in development since 2017, calls for 39 one- and two-story living units clustered around an interior courtyard with green space and pedestrian paths at 731 S. Garfield St.

Seven living units will be built in the existing Haystack Building on the property.

The project will also include an urban garden to grow organic produce and a clubhouse with a gourmet kitchen, lounge, laundry and two guest rooms.

The intergenerational cohousing community, which is intended to encourage interaction and collaboration among its members, has drawn interest from not only Spokane residents but people from Seattle, Portland, Chicago and the East Coast.

“The neighborhood is sold out. All 39 units have been reserved with down payments,” said Jim Dawson, Haystack Heights Cohousing co-founder, adding the community is currently building a waiting list for the project.

Haystack Heights, when built, would join more than 165 cohousing communities nationwide, with another 140 in planning stages, according to the Cohousing Association of the United States.

Spokane-based Yost Gallagher is the project contractor. California-based McCamant and Durrett Architects is designing the project.

The project is expected to be complete by late 2021.