Friday, December 31, 2010

Brisk and Busy Close to the Year

At the end of the year we are supposed to look back and reflect on the year that was. Inspite of the down economy, the Millworks Co-housing project is off the ground. It sure feels good to not only be working, but working on a project that is meaningful and with positive affects on the current economy. In this small town, I can feel good about coming to a site where its friends and community members earning a living building the homes with products and supplies bought or salvaged locally.

Decemeber 17th we held a small "winter warm up" to thank all the folks that have helped, show to others what is possible, and celebrate the success of Millworks. It was an amazing turn out. We had people from all throughout the puget sound to visit.  Thanks to all that came. It was a great learning experience for us and hopefully we were able to share something too.

So, cheers to 2010! And bring in on for an even better year in 2011!!!




Monday, December 6, 2010

Aiki Winter Warm Up and Open House

Celebrating Green Building, Community Development, and a Strong Local Economy
December 17th 2-4pm
Millworks Co-housing, 2600 Mill Ave


The year is coming to a close and we at Aiki Homes feel like it is time to celebrate another successful year and the birth of the Millworks Co-housing project. So come celebrate green building, community development, and a stronger local economy with Aiki and check out the Millworks Co-housing project in process. 


Come to enjoy warm beverages and appetizers and learn about Bellingham's newest sustainable community!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Tempest

The well oiled machine of Aiki is in full throttle. Visiting the site is amazing. Framing crews, siding crews, electricians, plumbers....all working as well orchestrated parts of a complex machine. I do what I can do keep out of the way and watch it all unfold. Luke, our fabulous foreman, reminds me of Mickey Mouse in Fantasia; pointing, directing, and creating. Pardon the analogy...but this community is like a flower seed taking root, shooting up, and in no time bloom.



Last week however, the Millworks site stopped to a halt when the sub-arctic temperatures came along with snow, ice and lots of wind. The Sunday following the snow, I took a walk through the site. It was beautiful, a deserted paradise. I could imagine the community that will occupy the homes all outside playing and enjoying the magic the first snow fall brings. But for now, I soaked in the quite and beauty.