From Vision to Village: Charles Durrett Comes to Denver in Support of Gratitude Village

Join us for an evening that could change how you think about home, community, and belonging.

On Thursday, September 18th, internationally renowned architect, author, and cohousing pioneer Charles Durrett will be in Denver for a special event in support of Gratitude Village Colorado, a new cohousing community in formation on Denver’s west side. Hosted at Gather at Lakeside from 6–8pm, the evening will feature a lively presentation from Durrett, followed by an open Q&A and opportunities to connect with others who are reimagining what it means to live in community.

If you've ever longed for a neighborhood where you know your neighbors, feel a deep sense of belonging, and live with the planet and future generations in mind—this event is for you.

Who Is Charles Durrett?

Charles Durrett isn’t just an architect—he's a movement-maker. Often referred to as the “father of cohousing” in the U.S., Durrett co-introduced the Danish-born concept of cohousing to North America alongside Kathryn McCamant in the late 1980s. Since then, he has designed more than 50 cohousing communities, authored 16 books and received multiple awards for his work in sustainable and participatory design.

Durrett’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that people thrive in environments that are collaborative, walkable, and built around intentional relationships. His communities are designed not just for energy efficiency and beauty, but for real-life interaction—where shared meals, mutual support, and intergenerational friendships are part of everyday life.

In his most recent book, One Life, Live It!, Durrett shares his latest inspiration: Solheimar, an eco-village in Iceland designed for people of all abilities, blending social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and spiritual wellness. This kind of integrated, values-driven living is exactly what Gratitude Village Colorado is working to create—and why we’re thrilled to welcome Charles to Denver.

What Is Gratitude Village Colorado?

Gratitude Village is a mixed-income, Net Zero, multigenerational cohousing community currently in formation. We’re planning to build 56 accessible homes alongside robust community spaces that support sustainability, creativity, and connection—spaces like a shared kitchen and indoor/outdoor dining areas, coworking lounge, gardens and greenhouse, maker space, guest suites, and more. From the beginning, we’ve prioritized accessibility for all ages and abilities, and we are working toward LEED certification for all community spaces and Passive House certification for our homes.

We are also committed to housing affordability, with up to 50% of our homes reserved as permanently affordable through partnerships with housing nonprofits and creative ownership models like Community Land Trusts. This means teachers, single parents, artists, adults with disabilities, and young families all have a seat at the table.

Our mission is clear: to create a neighborhood where people live with purpose, with each other, and with the planet in mind.

Why This Event Matters

We’re living in a time when loneliness is rampant, housing is increasingly out of reach and the climate crisis calls for new ways of building and being. Events like this one aren’t just lectures—they're calls to action. They’re a chance to learn from the best, get inspired by real solutions, and meet others who share your longing for something better.

Whether you're a future resident, a housing advocate, a sustainability nerd, or just "cohousing curious," this evening will offer a deeper look into the kind of change that's possible when people come together to co-create community.

And of course, it's also a celebration—the official launch party for Gratitude Village Colorado. If you've been following our journey or waiting for the right moment to get involved, this is it.

Event Details

An Evening with Charles Durrett – Architect, Author, and Cohousing Pioneer
📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025
🕕 6:00–8:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
📍 Gather at Lakeside, 12 Lakeside Lane Denver, CO 80212
🎟️ Tickets are available now and support the development of Gratitude Village. Plus, each ticket gets you one entry into the drawing for our doorprizes! Buy Your Tickets Now!

The evening starts off with an author meet & greet, book signing and snacks, cookies and soft drinks before Durrett begins his 50 minute presentation which is followed by Q&A and a community discussion. This is an ideal event for individuals, families, housing & disability advocates, policymakers and anyone curious about more sustainable & connected ways to live.

Attendees will walk away with:

• A solid understanding of what cohousing is (and isn’t)

• Insights into how architecture and design shape human connection

• Inspiration from real-life examples of thriving communities

• Ideas for how you can get involved in the Gratitude Village project or start your own

Plus, you’ll have the chance to mingle with future Gratitude Village residents, ask questions, get to know others who are passionate about building a better way to live and possibly leave with one of our several door prizes ranging in value from $50 to $300!

Be Part of Something Bigger

At Gratitude Village, we believe that cohousing isn’t just about homes—it’s about healing the disconnection that so many people feel in modern life. It’s about creating a village for those raising children, aging in place, living with disabilities, and anyone seeking a lifestyle rooted in care, contribution, and connection.

Charles Durrett’s visit is more than just a special guest lecture. It’s an affirmation that what we’re building in Colorado is part of a much larger movement—a movement toward housing that works for people and the planet.

We hope you’ll join us for this special evening and consider how you, too, might find your place in a community that values purpose over profit, people over isolation, and progress over the status quo.

Let’s imagine something better—together.