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Village Homes: Davis, CA

A Strong, Nurturing Community Life

Community Building. Rather than relying on city parks and recreational facilities, Village Homes contains its own facilities. A swimming pool and community building, two "village greens," and two playgrounds offer places where neighbors can socialize and kids can play safely. Common areas shared by clusters of eight homes provide places for immediate neighbors to meet.

The residents also have administrative reasons to come together. The neighborhood makes management and financial decisions regarding the maintenance of open space and recreational facilities, the harvesting and distribution of fruits and nuts, the income-producing office space and apartment units, and new planning developments. The process of carrying out these decisions also enriches the interaction among neighbors.

Self-Government. Residents maintain all agricultural lands, own the major building complexes and apartment units, and control future development themselves through their homeowners' association.

Supportive Environment for Children. The children of Village Homes can safely explore their own environment (not restricted to their own small block) and have the opportunity to develop social relationships among a broad spectrum of people. The daycare center is a safe walk away for every child in the neighborhood.

Rural Atmosphere. In addition to community gardens, mini-orchards and vineyards, there are common areas adjacent to every house used for growing fruits and vegetables. A homeowners' committee determines how fruits and nuts are picked and distributed. In addition to providing food, residents are directly involved in the decision-making, thus fostering interaction between neighbors.

Reduced Living Costs. With lower utility bills, a reduced need for the automobile, and the ability to grow most of your own fruits and vegetables, homeowners have an opportunity to be more self-sufficient.

Economic Sustainability

The office building, apartments and community building a Village Homes are owned and operated by the homeowners' association - producing a substantial amount of income. The neighborhood is adjacent to its largest employer, the University of California at Davis. Off-street bicycle paths run from every home to the campus center. There are also job opportunities within the neighborhood through employment by the homeowners' association, at the neighborhood office building and the daycare center. Several entrepreneurs have used the agricultural lands to earn a living by growing and selling fruits and vegetables.

A Healthy Environment

Healthy environments emphasize elements that improve our well-being while minimizing the sources of emotional and physical stress. Accentuate the Positive: Walking and bicycling paths link all sites. Rich and dense foliage of trees are generously planted throughout. Communal areas and activities are prevalent, and there are many places for children to play. Fresh fruits and vegetables are everywhere. Eliminate the Negative: Narrow streets inhibit speeding cars. Fenced backyards are replaced by common areas. With houses oriented toward the common areas, crime is less of a concern.

Village Homes' pedestrian-oriented plan increases the opportunity for large amounts of open space through compact and efficient land use, and reduces vehicle trips and auto emissions. The average walking distance to the grocery store is approximately 10 minutes, and 4.6 minutes to the on-site office buildings.

Creating Land-Use Diversity

Housing Blend. The mix of housing types allows a diverse population to form a vibrant community. There are 220 individual homes and 20 apartments. Sizes range from 3,000 sq. ft. to a cluster of 600 sq.-ft. units with a shared community room. A co-op house accommodates a dozen people in a nine-bedroom house.

Mobility Network. Walking, biking, and driving are all supported with networks that traverse the entire neighborhood. There are more walking and bicycling paths than roads.

Commerce. The central commercial area is currently occupied by an office building, with more offices, apartments, an inn, a deli/restaurant, and a dance/exercise studio to follow.

Community Focus. The village green and recreation center - with a large meeting and party room, kitchen, swimming pool and large playing field - provide the focus for socializing a gatherings. A preschool operates in the building during the week.

Photographs of Village Homes

Click on a thumbnail to view a larger image.

For more information on Village Homes, check out Judy and Michael Corbett's paper "Energy and the Human Environment", from Michigan State University's Human and Ecology Monograph series.

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