Cohousing advocates say idea is gaining ground

In cohousing communities - residents help design their neighborhoods which often include smaller homes with energy efficient features. They share open space, gardens, and a common house where neighbors can dine together and have guests.

Colorado is one of the leading states for cohousing, with 12 communities created since 1993 and 6 more in the works.

Colorado Public Radio's Anna Panoka spoke with Jim Leach, founder of Wonderland Hill Development Company which has built several cohousing neighborhoods in Colorado and is constructing a new one now. He's chairing a national conference on cohousing in Boulder.

Image courtesy of Wonderland Hill - rendering created by Garrison Doctor.