Our Houses
Sofia House
1239 Spaight Street, Madison, WI 53703
Rent Range: $440 - $675
Number of Rooms: 7
Membership Process:
1. Contact Sofia House Membership Coordinator (Email)
2. Fill out the emailed questionnaire
3. Video chat with the house members
4. In person chat and tour of Sofia House
5. Possible Dinner together
Sofia Cooperative is a smoke-free, drug-free, beautiful, and dynamic community located on the vibrant near-east side of Madison. We have three 3 floors with 7 various sized bedrooms. It features original woodwork, hardwood floors, three 3 porches, ample attic storage, a backyard with a raised-bed garden and a fire pit. We are within walking distance to two city bus lines, the Willy Street Co-Op, St. Vinny's Thrift Store, Lake Monona, tasty restaurants, seasonal festivals, 5 parks, and several community resources and stores.
As a Sofian, you would continue to help us create a clean, safe, cozy, family-friendly atmosphere that encourages creativity and self-awareness. You would not just be a housemate, but rather an extended family. We create bonds through respectful interactions and by accepting each other's unique contributions and creative idiosyncrasies.
To encourage socialization, our house tries to collaborate with other housing co-ops and neighbors. We plan a monthly documentary night, as well as having the occasional dinner party, game night, spontaneous potluck, backyard fire, and field trips (sledding, hiking, dancing, concerts, yoga, etc.). However, we also respect when members periodically prefer solitude and quiet.
We are looking for other devoted cooperative humans who understand that managing and maintaining a
housing cooperative, fostering community, respecting and supporting diversity and inclusivity is a collaborative, dedicated effort.
Bike Storage: Yes - locked shed.
Bus Routes: (short walk)
38 - Johnson // University Row
C - Highland // Sprecher // Cottontail
Central Air Conditioning: Yes.
Includes: Utilities, Internet, and laundry
Meal Plan: No
Meat allowed: Yes
Meetings: Once a month
Parking: On-street
Pet Policy: House consensus, currently there are 2 Guinea pigs.
Shared Spaces: -Attic (3rd Floor): Hang-out space & Storage; -Basement (unfinished);-Dining/Living room; Kitchen; and 3 Porches
Water: Filtered for Drinking and Softened hot water.
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Workspace: In Basement
To learn and see more, visit: Sofia House
To membership: Email: Sofia's Membership Coordinator for more information!
Syntropy
812 Jennifer St Madison, WI 53703
Email syntropy.coop@gmail.com for more information!
Rent Range: $475
Number of Rooms: 8
Number of Adults: 8
Number of Children: 0
In Our Words
Syntropy is an 8-member house on the near east side of Madison, one block from B.B. Clark beach. Our house features hardwood floors, a wood burning stove, a lovely front porch with a swing and couches, shared vegan and vegetarian meals (with organic veggies from a CSA during the summer), a vegetable garden, and a view of Lake Monona from our bay window and front porch. The bus stop for the 3, 4, 7, 10, and 38 is right out front! We currently have a house Netflix account, and all rooms are DSL ready and have wireless access.
Check out the Syntropy website for even more information!
Is Parking Available?
Yes
What kind of parking is available?
4 spaces in parking lot, ample street parking available
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Yes
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Yes
Vegan option at all meals?
Yes
What other food options are available at some meals?
gluten free
Is meat allowed in the house?
Yes
Are there any restrictions on meat in the house?
Meat is allowed for personal meals, but not for house meals.
Meals/Week:
2
Meals Cost:
$110
Food Membership Allowed?
Yes
Meal Plan Participation:
Required
Pets Allowed?
Yes
Current Pet Situation:
none
Pet Policy:
Pets are membershipped with their humans and discussed at membership dinners and interviews.
Avalon
20 N Franklin St
Email avalon.cooperative.house@gmail.com for more information!
Rent Range: $411-$500
Number of Rooms: 8
Number of Adults: 9
Number of Children: 9
Membership Process
Application process consists of filling out an application and attending 3 communal dinners at Avalon. One of the dinners will consist of a question and answer session about cooperative living with current members at Avalon. Please contact avalonmembership@madisoncommunity.coop or avalon.cooperative.house@gmail.com for further details and a copy of the application. Our membership coordinator will be in contact with you.
In Our Words
Avalon Co-op is an eight-room house intent on creating a safe, sane, and supportive environment as part of the Madison Community Cooperative organization and within the city of Madison as a whole. We are a community that welcomes people of all ages, sexes, colors, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds. The key to our evolution as a healthy and united household is the development and practice of constructive, direct communication, and communal decision-making. Some of us work and some go to school. Our house is centrally located in a quiet and diverse neighborhood, which is two blocks from James Madison Park and four blocks from the capitol. We take turns making great vegetarian meals and working in our garden. We welcome open-minded people who are interested in enriching our community and environment.
Neighborhood:
Downtown
Is Parking Available?
Yes.
What kind of parking is available?
1 rotating driveway space, street parking (with permit)
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Not all meals are vegetarian (meat is served).
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Yes.
Vegan option at all meals?
No.
What other food options are available at some meals?
Gluten free, dairy-free, vegetarian
Is meat allowed in the house?
Yes.
Meals/Week:
4-5
Meals Cost:
$110/mo
Meals Cost Notes:
$5 Additional for monthly meat share
Food Membership Allowed?
No.
Meal Plan Participation:
Required.
Pets Allowed?
Yes.
Current Pet Situation:
4 cats
Pet Policy:
Currently have two cats which it our limit for roaming pets. We will NOT be accepting more animals.
Audre Lorde House
625 N. Frances Street
Email audremembership@madisoncommunity.coop for more information!
Rent Range: $405 - $480
Number of Rooms: 14
Number of Adults: 15
Number of Children: 2
Membership Process
Membership is being completed with virtual and in-person steps:
- A questionnaire
- An online interview via Google Meets
- An in-person house dinner or hang out with Audre Lorde members
Please email audremembership@madisoncommunity.coop to start the membership process.
After steps 1-3 are completed, the house will make a decision at the incoming house meeting and then get back to the potential member!
Dinners are every Thursday at 5:30PM.
About Audre Lorde Co-op
Built in 1899 for Kate & Cornelius Sullivan. This house joined MCC in 1996 at Emma Goldman Co-op. In 2003 it was changed to be named after self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet": Audre Lorde. The house has 14 bedrooms with large common spaces on the first floor. There is also off-street parking for 5 vehicles. We are 1/3 of a block away from Lake Mendota. We are also 3 blocks from UW-Madison and 2 blocks from State Street.
Audre Lorde Coop is a progressive, pro racial equity, LGBTQ affirming, pro feminist, pro neurodivergent, environmentally conscious community that actively strives to maintain the position of Black Lives Matter, Love is love, Trans Lives are Sacred and Climate change is real.
“Without community, there is no liberation...but community must not mean a shedding of our differences, nor the pathetic pretense that these differences do not exist.” Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde Co-op went through a renewal in 2022 and is seeking members to help it rebuild its community. We are seeking members who are willing to put in the hard work to build this community back with a few members and dedication.
Member Expectations
1.5-5 hours of their time each week for workjobs such as cooking, washing dishes, cleaning various common spaces, paying bills, grocery shopping, serving as a house representative for various committees of Madison Community Co-operative, and many other jobs that go towards the upkeep and continuance of the household.
Attendance at weekly House Meetings, currently Thursdays after dinner at 7:30pm.
Everyone in the house pays $100 a month to purchase bulk food which is mostly organic, and locally-grown when possible; we strive to buy from vendors that are owned and run by people-of-color and/or women.
Neighborhood:
University
Is Parking Available?
Yes.
What Kind of parking is available?
5 off street spots and curb parking
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Most house meals are based around meat.
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Yes.
What other food options are available at some meals?
House dinner cooks are required to make alternative dishes for those with specific dietary restrictions.
Is meat allowed in the house?
Yes.
Are there any restrictions on meat in the house?
Audre Lorde currently purchases meat for members with house funds. Every house meal must have a vegetarian option as well.
Meals/Week?
1
Meals Cost?
$100/mo
Meal Plan Participation?
Required. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis.
Pets Allowed?
Yes, but we are currently at capacity for free-roam pets like dogs or cats.
Are there currently pets?
Yes! One lovely tripod dog named Link and two cute chubby cats named Zamani and Sasha.
Hypatia
411 N Pinckney Street, Madison, WI 53703
Email hypatiamembership@madisoncommunity.coop for more information!
Rent Range: $442-$709
Number of Rooms: 12
Number of Adults: 12
Number of Children: 2
Membership Process
Our membership process consists of a written questionnaire, attending three house dinners or online meetings, and an interview.
Please email hypatiamembership@madisoncommunity.coop to get started!
In Our Words
Hypatia is a twelve-bedroom cooperative house located in a beautiful old mansion surrounded by a historic garden three blocks north of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Our house includes a spacious living and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that face the capitol and a working fireplace, well-appointed kitchen, fully stocked pantry (fresh produce, staples, spices, etc.), small guest room, laundry machines, bike parking in the basement, and storage space in the attic.
Our community is made up of graduate students, undergraduate students, professionals, and kids, including people of many races, genders, ages, and backgrounds. We have a house meeting every other Sunday evening to check in with housemates and make collective decisions, 3-4 house dinners per week, and occasional house events like movie nights or hikes. Our house labor system asks each member to contribute 4.5-5 hours per week (cleaning, cooking, yardwork, administrative tasks, etc.) plus 1 hour per month toward maintenance projects.
Neighborhood
Mansion Hill
Is Parking Available?
No
What kind of parking is available?
Street parking is available. Residential Parking Permits are available from the City of Madison for $42 per year.
Meals
We have house dinners 3-5 times per week. Meals are vegetarian, mostly vegan.
We sometimes have food-only members who join us for meals and contribute toward costs and labor related to food. Contact hypatiamembership@madisoncommunity.coop if you'd like to learn more!
Pets Allowed?
No
We allow non-furred, non-allergenic pets that remain in a tank or container in your room. (fish, frogs, sea monkeys) Hypatia has members with allergies, so doesn't allow furred/allergenic animals of any kind.
Ofek Shalom
122 North Bassett Street, Madison, WI 53703
Email ofekmembership@madisoncommunity.coop for more information!
Rent Range: $342-$403
Number of Rooms: 10
Number of Adults: 10
Number of Children: 0
Membership Process
Come to three house dinners, with an interview following the third. House dinners are served at 7 PM Monday through Thursday and our Shabbat celebration starts at 8 PM on Fridays.
Skype interviews can be scheduled for long distance applicants.
Contact ofekmembership@madisoncommunity.coop
In Our Words
Ofek Shalom Co-op is situated in a small, comfortable house on the corner of Bassett and Dayton. We are a dynamic community made up of 10 working and studying people from a range of backgrounds. We enjoy late-night discussions, board games, quality time with our house's three cats, and parties/events hosted throughout the year! We are committed to providing a warm, welcoming environment for people with all world-views, backgrounds, and identities. All house meals are vegetarian with a vegan option, and the house features five porches with astonishing views of the surrounding area.
Ofek is historically and culturally a Jewish house, whose roots go back to Kibbutz Langdon in the 70's. We have maintained this tradition by hosting events on Jewish holidays, such as our Purim party and Passover Seder. We also celebrate Shabbat every Friday with a joyous meal with homemade challah for anyone who would like to join us. One does not have to be Jewish to membership here; all are welcome.
Is Parking Available?
Yes
What kind of parking is available?
Driveway (three spots)
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Yes
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Yes
Vegan option at all meals?
Yes
What other food options are available at some meals?
Kosher
Is meat allowed in the house?
Yes
Are there any restrictions on meat in the house?
Should be eaten on personal dishes and cooked only on the meat cast iron pan
Meals/Week:
6
Meals Cost:
$120
Food Membership Allowed?
Yes
Meal Plan Participation:
Required. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Pets Allowed?
Yes
Current Pet Situation:
We have an exceptionally handsome cat named Huck. We now have two more furry friends, Flaca and Patrick.
Pet Policy:
Pets are approved by members of the house.
Friends
19 N Hancock St
Email friendsmembership@madisoncommunity.coop for more information!
Rent Range: $400-$600
Number of Rooms: 10
Number of Adults: 10
Number of Children: 0
Membership Process
- Fill out our questionnaire
- Keep in mind that your responses to this form may be shared with the house, minus personal information.
- Send us an email to let us know you filled out the form and are interested.
- After reading your responses, we will set up an initial video call, phone call, or in-person meeting with 1-3 current members where you can ask questions about Friends and we can get to know you.
- After this call, you may be invited for further meeting(s) in person at the house (or via video call) to meet other house members.
- If you decide you are still interested in membershipping, we will hold a vote at our next house meeting to decide whether to allow you to become a member.
In Our Words
After 50 years on W Johnson St, the Friends' community recently relocated to a remodeled house in the Downtown neighborhood two blocks from the capitol and the E. Washington shopping district. The new house has two accessible rooms. We do our best to prioritize these rooms for those with physical disabilities.
Our cooperative community is brought together by a radical sense of playfulness and inclusiveness. These values stretch all the way back to Friends' evolution out of a Quaker cooperative housing community. House members contribute a required 5 hours of their time each week for chores such as cooking, washing dishes, cleaning common spaces, paying bills, grocery shopping, serving as a house representative for various committees of Madison Community Cooperative, and many other jobs that go towards the upkeep and continuance of the household.
At full membership, Friends consists of 10 adults of varying ages and backgrounds, along with their pets. We offer 100% vegetarian and frequently 100% vegan house meals. We enjoy working together to find creative solutions to problems both in informal and formal decisions. We endeavor to find consensus in the decisions we make during house meetings and work to make sure that all members of the household feel heard and valued.
For any questions or concerns contact: Friendsmembership@madisoncommunity.coop.
Is Parking Available?
At this time, all of our parking spots are full. We may be able to figure out an arrangement to obtain more parking if needed, otherwise street parking is available. If you require a disabled parking spot, we have one of those and would give priority parking rights to you.
What kind of parking is available?
2 spaces
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Yes.
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Yes.
Vegan option at all meals?
As needed.
What other food options are available at some meals?
We accommodate any dietary preference, e.g. gluten-free.
Is meat allowed in the house?
Yes.
Are there any restrictions on meat in the house?
Members may purchase and prepare meat separately from house dinners.
Meals/Week:
Varies, usually at least one and up to four, depending on how busy house members who cook are.
Meals Cost:
$100/mo
Food Membership Allowed?
Yes
Meal Plan Participation:
Required. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis.
Pets Allowed?
Yes.
Current Pet Situation:
3 cats, 2 roaming. 1 dog, roaming
Pet Policy:
Roaming pets (i.e. those that are allowed to leave their owner's room and roam around the house) must be membershipped into the house similarly to humans. Bring the animal to the house and make sure that it gets along with other pets and humans. We will then vote on their membership. Pets that stay strictly in members' rooms do not need to be membershipped.
Ambrosia
225 East Lakelawn Place, Madison, WI 53703
Email ambrosiamembership@madisoncommunity.coop for more information!
Rent Range: $425 – $561
Number of Rooms: 27
Number of Adults: 28
Number of Children: 0
Membership Process:
Contact ambrosiamembership@madisoncommunity.coop or visit us in person.
Ambrosia's Mission:
Ambrosia is a home that actively creates a family community environment that strives for equity, trust, and belonging.
Neighborhood
University
Is Parking Available?
No. Off-street parking is not available.
What kind of parking is available?
Limited on-street parking available with a city permit (Zone 3).
Meals
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Not all meals are vegetarian (meat is served)
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Vegetarian option at all meals.
Vegan option at all meals?
No.
What other food options are available at some meals?
Vegan option at most meals. Nut-free option at many meals. Gluten-free option available upon request.
Is meat allowed in the house?
Meat is allowed
Are there any restrictions on meat in the house?
Meat is served at meals occasionally, but it must be purchased by individuals, and not reimbursed by the house. Most meals are vegetarian.
Meals/Week
7
Meals Cost
$125/month
House does not purchase meat
Food Membership Allowed
Yes
Meal Plan Participation
Required. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis.
Pets
Pets Allowed?
Yes
Current Pet Situation
9 cats.
Pet Policy
Pets that will spend any time in common space should be membershipped in.
Zoe Bayliss
636 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53703
Email zoemembership@madisoncommunity.coop for more information!
Rent Range: single ($530/month), double ($355/month), triple ($280/month), and quadruple ($255/month) rooms
Number of Rooms: 24
Number of Adults: 40
Number of Children: 0
Membership Process: We are all full for 2023-2024!!
In Our Words: After 67 years on W Johnson St, Zoe Bayliss is moving! Zoe Bayliss is excited to become part of the MCC community and immensely grateful to the members of MCC for the care and support they have shown to Zoe Bayliss.
Zoe Bayliss Co-op is a 24 bedroom house that is ½ block from Lake Mendota and across the street from the UW-Madison Campus. It boasts off street parking, raised garden beds and shared living, dining, Kitchen & library.
Statement from Zoe Bayliss Board of Directors: Over the last year and a half our community has has fought hard to preserve the last student housing cooperative in Wisconsin and one of campus' only affordable housing options. Today, we are elated to report success in our efforts to secure a new building.
We are conveniently located downtown, only a few steps away from everything. We are two buildings east of Memorial Union, and State Street is only a block away. Bus routes 4 and 6 stop a block away, and all other routes are just another block after that. All campus bus routes (80-82) are across . We also have a driveway for those who own vehicles. For those who bike, we have indoor and outdoor bike storage areas.
Is Parking Available?
no
Meals
In-house chef who provides 10 fantastic meals a week.
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Lothlorien
244 West Lakelawn Place, Madison, WI 53703
Rent Range: $482 - $631 Plus $90 in Foodshare
Number of Rooms: 31
Number of Adults: 24
Number of Children: 1
Email lothlorienmembership@madisoncommunity.coop for more information!
Membership Process
Once you have reached out, you should recieve a response email with basic info and a standard set of questions. After we recieve your responses, we will reach out to coordinate the rest of the process. All applicants (aka "membershippers") must:
- Attend 2 membership events (such as hangouts). This may be done remotely for long-distance membershippers.
- Following the 2 membership events, the membershipper must complete an interview, which may also be completed remotely for long-distance applicants.
- Membership meetings must be announced 48 hours in advance on the house e-mail group.
- Quorum for membership meetings is four members.
- Accepting new members requires consensus to be reached at the first Elven Council after the membership meeting.
In Our Words
We are a community of approximately 25 people (both students, workers & others), along with one cat and three and a half dogs who share a large yellow castle on the shore of Lake Mendota. Founded in 1973, Lothlorien Co-op strives to provide a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for people of all ages, sexes, races and sexual orientations. Many of our members are politically active in queer rights, labor rights, environmental and feminist movements. In the spirit of our egalitarian ideals, house decisions are made through Formal Consensus at weekly Elven Council meetings.
Is Parking Available?
Yes
What kind of parking is available?
Driveway; it is first come first serve. Only 4 spots are available.
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Yes
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Yes
Vegan option at all meals?
Yes
What other food options are available at some meals?
We try to accommodate people with dietary restrictions.
Is meat allowed in the house?
Yes
Are there any restrictions on meat in the house?
House does not buy meat.
Meals Cost:
$90/month
Food Membership Allowed?
Yes
Meal Plan Participation:
Required
Pets Allowed?
Yes, though we are currently "dogged out".
Current Pet Situation:
1 free-roaming cat, 3.5 dogs, a few rats, and lots of fish
Pet Policy:
1. Only one cat or dog is allowed to live in anyone's room at a time.
2. Dogs, cats (or any other animal over 5 lbs) must be membershipped and must meet all other membershipped pets before admittance.
3. Any other animal under 5 lbs that will stay in a members room does not need to be membershipped.
International
140 West Gilman Street, Madison, WI 53703
Email internationalcoop@gmail.com for more information!
Rent Range: $383.544 XS, $428.19 SM, $477.456 MED, $516.201 LG
Number of Rooms: 26
Number of Adults: 26
Number of Children: 0
Membership Process
Please email our membership coordinator at internationalcoop@gmail.com if you would like a tour of the house, to inquire about any room openings, or to receive International's written application form. Applicants must submit a written application, which should take at least 30 minutes to fill out with thoughtful and detailed responses. Next is a video interview with the current members of International. The interview will be held remotely, and we humbly request that they are recorded, so housemates who are unable to attend can watch.
We recognize that some new international students may not be able to pay the security deposits or rent on time. We acknowledge this difficulty and extend flexibility to those who need it. Our finance team can work with you to create a payment plan that best meets your financial situation.
In Our Words
The International Co-op has been around for over 50 years. Our premise is that a diverse group of people can live together cooperatively, allowing each member both a sense of community and the freedom to determine their own affairs. We endeavor to create a comfortable atmosphere that is safer for marginalized groups, while supporting our values of equity, climate, and social justice. We are culturally diverse, multilingual and internationally mindful, with about half our housemates from the United States and half from abroad.
We communicate and make decisions as a house by majority votes at house meetings which are held weekly on Sundays. To keep rent low and cultivate shared stewardship of our home we divide household responsibilities and elect house members to different house jobs on a semester-based cycle (~every 4 months). Amenities at International that are included in rent are: on-site laundry, high-speed internet, some parking, indoor/outdoor bike storage, an upright piano, a fully stocked tool room, cleaning supplies, study room/library, fully stocked kitchen/pantry, and some bedroom furnishing if desired. Our co-op is located two blocks away from State Street, two blocks from Lake Mendota, and a short walk away from the UW-Madison campus.
Is Parking Available?
Yes
What kind of parking is available?
Driveway ($5/month)
Are all house meals vegetarian?
Yes, the house does not purchase meat.
Vegetarian option at all meals?
Yes, this is a part of house policy.
Vegan option at all meals?
No, but cooks will often accommodate dietary restrictions.
What other food options are available at some meals?
Other accommodations can be made by communicating with the house.
Is meat allowed in the house?
Yes, personal meat can be purchased and cooked in the house. Cooks can also make meat for house dinners but will pay for this out of pocket.
Are there any restrictions on meat in the house?
Yes, raw meat is only allowed to be stored in a designated freezer.
Meals/Week:
6 total. Dinner on Sunday-Thursday and brunch on Saturday will be prepared by the housemates who were elected to cook that semester.
Meals Cost:
$115/month
Meals Cost Notes:
All food purchased for ICH is vegetarian. Food purchases include all basic kitchen staples (like rice, beans, flour, bread and tortillas), spices and sauces, tea and coffee, tofu, cheese, milk, eggs, vegetables and fruits. We try to purchase in bulk and from local vendors with ethical trade/employment practices when possible to support our mission of sustainability.
Food Membership Allowed?
Yes - Food co-oping without house membership allows access to our slack communication channel, the kitchen, pantry, and fridges and all house food at any time. Prepared meals included as part of the food co-oping fee are 1) dinners Sunday through Thursday and 2) brunch on Saturday.
Meal Plan Participation:
Required. Participating in the house meals is an important part of building our community.
Pets Allowed?
Yes, pending house discussions
Current Pet Situation:
3 cats total, one roams around the house and two occasionally come out but mostly stay in personal rooms.
Pet Policy:
As an incoming applicant with a pet, we will ask you a series of pet-related questions at your interview to determine compatibility with the house. Once you move into the house, current housemates with pets will work with you to determine compatibility with their pets
Open Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11:00am-6:00pm
(meet by appointment on Fri-Sat)
Office Phone:
(608) 251-2667
Office Address:
1202 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, United States