Altair EcoVillage Project Moves Forward – September 2026

Imagine the home of the future: a place where living simply creates more time for what matters. Where neighbors know one another, streets are designed for people rather than cars, and shared land is thoughtfully cared for—creating habitat for wildlife and places for people to gather. Where efficient homes keep energy bills low and the sun powers our homes and vehicles.

This kind of community is rare today, but Altair EcoVillage is working to make it real in Kimberton, Pennsylvania. The planned 28-home community will be a sustainable, pedestrian-oriented, 55+ neighborhood featuring simple, highly energy-efficient townhomes, shared spaces, and low-impact design. But creating something different in a system built around conventional development comes with challenges. While local officials have expressed support for the vision, navigating existing codes and the development approval process has taken longer—and cost more—than anticipated. After recent delays in gaining Township approval of a parking variance, the Altair EcoVillage cohousing community is moving forward again. Altair is resubmitting the site plan for approval, then will focus on the building drawings for building permits.

There is just one significant hurdle: funding.

After spending over $1M, Altair EcoVillage needs approximately $30,000 per month or a total of $200,000 to carry the project through the remaining approval process.

The door is now open for interested people who want to help bring Altair EcoVillage to life, either as future homeowners or as investors:

1. A future homeowner may be able to pre-pay for a reservation on their townhouse now. Altair is offering up to 7.5% APR credited toward the purchase of an Altair EcoVillage home. Homes range from one-story flats at around $450K to spacious two-story end units for $650K. These prices are right in line with regional home sales figures, but living in the EcoVillage, with low-energy bills, a ride-sharing program, and other features, is less expensive than living elsewhere.

2. Alternatively, Altair EcoVillage is seeking investments of $50,000 or more with a 5% APR return on investment at the completion of the project. Altair is offering a share of the land as collateral, a property that was landlocked, but is now prime for development due to its now road access to Kimberton Road.

A special kind of community

Altair EcoVillage is being designed as a 28-unit cohousing community for adults 55 and older, with approximately 20 percent (5) of the homes planned for households headed by someone younger than 55 and their families. The community will feature clustered townhomes, a large common house for meals, gatherings, and social activities, walking paths, and shared amenities. But while defining features of Altair EcoVillage are the healthy buildings, the low energy bills, and the extensive open space, even more important is the community itself. Residents will have a meaningful role in the administration, maintenance, and ongoing life of the neighborhood. The goal is to create a place where people know their neighbors before they move in, share resources and activities, and remain active and connected as they age. The Cohousing model (see cohousingalliance.org) has proven to support daily interaction and combat loneliness, and residents live longer in these communities.

Why Kimberton?

Altair EcoVillage is located in Chester County, one of Pennsylvania’s most desirable and economically active counties. It has high ratings for medical support, infrastructure, and open space, and is expected to grow another 20 percent by 2050. The location offers convenient access to employment, shopping, recreation, cultural events, and neighboring communities. Planned improvements to regional passenger rail could eventually provide another transportation option, connecting the Phoenixville area with communities including Pottstown, Reading, and Philadelphia. Neighboring Phoenixville is one of the top five “hot” communities per Pennsylvania realtors.

For Altair EcoVillage members, however, location is only part of the attraction. The opportunity is to create something that is increasingly difficult to find: a small, intentional community where people can have both privacy and connection, independence, and support 

Now is the time for interested people to help Altair EcoVillage cross the finish line.

Interested in becoming an Altair EcoVillage homeowner or investor? 

Explore the website: altairecovillage.org. 
Contact Joel Bartlett at altairecovillage@gmail.com or 610-220-6172. 

We invite you to learn more about the project, investment opportunities, and the next steps toward making Altair EcoVillage a reality.