RIVENDELL HOUSING COOPERATIVE

Rivendell is an independent co-op that was founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 1977. Located at 622 N. Henry Street, we are a short walk to campus, State Street, and the lake.

We are currently the residence of 11 people, with diverse interests, backgrounds, and occupations, who enjoy cooking, eating, laughing, discussing, and experiencing life together.  There are no age limits, though the majority of members are associated with one of Madison's institutions. Couples are welcome, as are non-US citizens, and those living traditional and non-traditional lifestyles.

WHO OWNS IT?
We do!
The people who live at Rivendell are the board of directors of "Central Madison Housing Corporation" whose sole asset is "Rivendell Cooperative" whose sole asset is the house at 622 N. Henry Street. Hence, all the housemates hold and control the title, deed, and mortgage. What this means in practical terms is that there is no landlord, thus no one who is trying to suck profit from the people living in the house. This also means that all house members are responsible for the house. If the toilet leaks, someone has to call a plumber! Rent money (in the form of the "maintenance fund") pays for maintence, upkeep and purchases, but someone still has to take the initiative to make things happen.