Walnut Commons
An urban senior community in Santa Cruz, California
Walnut Commons consists of nineteen condominium units in a three-story building constructed to the highest standard of green building, with underground parking and storage. In addition to their privately-owned spaces, members share an outside deck garden and community space on the ground floor which includes a gourmet kitchen, dining room, living room and play room. There are also guestrooms and a shared laundry room. The core group started planning the project in 2011, and the first residents moved in in July 2014.
Walnut Commons is an active, caring, multi-generational community, welcoming members of all backgrounds and lifestyles. Their guiding principles are
- listening for the needs of others and being willing to express needs, trusting that others will listen, recognize, and facilitate meeting those needs.
- a spirit and attitude of responsibility to others by participating in tasks, meetings, and group activities for the welfare of the community as a whole.
- ecologically responsible living in a spirit and attitude of responsibility to others by participating in tasks, meetings, and group activities for the welfare of the community as a whole.
- being kind, living in a weapon-free community, practicing compassionate communication and promoting a peaceful world.
- an environment that is safe and secure, with good quality air and food, and attention to people’s health needs such as allergies, diet, physical access and mobility.
Their comprehensive website explains more about the community, and a biannual newsletter keeps interested followers in touch with developments.