Jill and Marcy Clements, two sisters in Tulsa, are living together again in a cohousing community called Heartwood Commons. The community consists of private homes clustered around shared spaces where residents can come together for meals, activities, and community conversation. This setup reminds Marcy of her college dormitory experience. Jill had spent most of her adult life in California but moved back to Tulsa after feeling isolated and lonely during the pandemic. After looking at 32 houses, she decided to move into Heartwood Commons, where Marcy had been living since 2018.
Growing up, the sisters were taught to be independent and self-sufficient by their mothers. Marcy became a successful artist and chose not to have children. Both sisters are child-free by choice and realized that without children, they would need to take care of each other in old age. Moving into cohousing was a way for them to provide support for each other in the future. Heartwood Commons offers shared dinners, group activities, and a self-governing community where each member has a role based on their strengths. Marcy, with her background in art and design, volunteered to paint doorframes as part of a group decision to modify the building’s design.
Residents of Heartwood Commons come together to help each other, whether it’s walking a dog, loaning medical equipment, or providing support after surgery. The community is built on the principle of neighborliness, where everyone looks out for each other’s well-being. The sisters feel that living together again after being apart for decades is a positive situation, especially after experiencing the loneliness and isolation caused by the pandemic. For Jill, returning to Tulsa and joining the cohousing community was a way to give back to the city and connect with her sister in a supportive environment.
Heartwood Commons is a cohousing community in Tulsa, inspired by the Danish model that clusters private homes around shared spaces. There are over 160 established cohousing communities in the U.S., with Heartwood Commons being one of the first in Tulsa. The community offers various activities such as yoga, art projects, and book clubs, allowing residents to work and play together. Friends and family can visit and stay in guest rooms for a nominal fee. Members of the community have the autonomy to create their own policies and procedures, with each person contributing their skills and expertise to make decisions.
The sisters’ decision to move into Heartwood Commons reflects their desire to support each other and build a strong sense of community. Living together again has provided them with a sense of safety and connection, especially after experiencing the effects of isolation during the pandemic. Marcy and Jill, along with other residents, value the neighborly environment of the community and appreciate the opportunity to give back and support each other. Cohousing has allowed them to create a supportive network where they can age gracefully and maintain independence while being part of a caring community.
