Cohousing community planned in Vermillion, South Dakota

Local investors plan Dakota Prairie Commons, the state's first cohousing development, on five acres near Vermillion's main street; organizers aim to break ground in November with building starting in spring 2027.

A group of local investors is planning Dakota Prairie Commons, described as South Dakota's first cohousing community, on five acres of a 15-acre parcel near Vermillion's main street. The land was secured through developer AMS Building Systems. The project envisions condominium-style homes arranged around shared outdoor space and a central common house. Organizers say future owners will participate in design decisions and form small working groups called "circles" to manage aspects of community life. Project facts: - Location and scale: Dakota Prairie Commons will use five acres near Vermillion's main street on a 15-acre parcel secured through AMS Building Systems. - Design and amenities: Plans call for condominium-style homes, foot paths, a common house with a kitchen and gathering areas, and a mix of unit types such as duplexes and small cottages. - Participation and governance: Future residents will design collectively and work in "circles" for shared functions; the legal structure is described as similar to a homeowner's association and a lawyer has been engaged to help protect buyers. - Interest and size: The effort began with five interested households and organizers say interest has since doubled; the community is currently slated for 20 to 30 homes. - Next steps and timeline: Organizers will finalize a site plan, seek tax-increment financing and zoning as a planned development district, plan to break ground in November, and expect building to begin in spring 2027. Summary: The project is presented as a mixed-age cohousing development that emphasizes shared amenities, resident participation in design, and connections with nature. Organizers are moving through site planning and local financing and zoning steps, with a scheduled groundbreaking in November and construction expected to start in spring 2027.