Wolf Creek Lodge wins Governor’s Award

When completed, the cohousing project will feature 30 homes along Wolf Creek in Grass Valley.

GV cohousing project recognized for environmental, economic leadership

Wolf Creek Lodge, a residential community now under construction in Grass Valley, has won California’s most prestigious environmental honor – the 2011 Governor’s Award for Environmental and Economic Leadership in the category of sustainable communities.

The award recognizes endeavors that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California’s resources and protecting and enhancing the environment.

In addition to the green building design (45% more energy efficient than California code), Wolf Creek Lodge demonstrates an innovative approach to environmental and social sustainability by creating a neighborhood where active seniors can support each other.

Cohousing architects and authors Katie McCamant and Chuck Durrett began the project in 2006 and now have a buyer’s group of 24 households who have worked together over the past four years on design and development.

The community will consist of 30 one- and two-bedroom homes with facilities such as a great room with gourmet kitchen, a sitting lounge with fireplace, guest rooms, a workshop, a big terrace, garden spaces, and a Jacuzzi and Petanque court. It is located within easy walking distance to stores and restaurants and the community has set aside 3.5 acres of permanent open space along Wolf Creek.

Construction was scheduled to start in the summer of 2008, but the international financial crisis delayed financing for the project for two years. In the end, it was the financial commitment of the Lodge buyers that ultimately convinced the bank to move forward with the construction loan.

Many Nevada County residents are involved in creating the community, including McCamant & Durrett Architects, Nevada City Engineering, Melas Engineering, Holdrege & Kull, Nevada County Plumbing, Grennon & Sons, Hansen Bros, the developer CoHousing Partners and others.

McCamant and Durrett also helped create Nevada City Cohousing where they now live. Wolf Creek Lodge will be the fourth cohousing community in the nation specifically designed for active adults.

To learn more about Wolf Creek Lodge, visit www.wolfcreeklodge.org or call 530-478-1980.