The Community at
River Trail Commons:
Designed For Real Life
River Trail Commons is an emerging cohousing community in Riverwest, Milwaukee where connection, independence, and everyday life come together.
River Trail Commons is an up-and-coming cohousing neighborhood in Milwaukee built around the idea that people thrive when they feel connected to where they live and the people around them.
Values that Shape the Community
River Trail Commons is grounded in a set of values that guide how the neighborhood is designed and how people live together.
This Riverwest, Wisconsin community is designed with the belief that connection, shared responsibility, and mutual respect create stronger, more fulfilling living environments.
Residents value independence as much as community. Everyone owns their individual home, their life, and their routines, while also being part of a neighborhood where people show up for one another.
This balance is what makes cohousing communities work.
A Lifestyle Built Around Connection
Living at River Trail Commons means being part of a community where everyday moments are shared more naturally.
You might see neighbors gathering for a meal, kids playing together in common areas, or people stopping to talk on a walk through the neighborhood.
At the same time, your home remains your own private space. You choose how you spend your time and how you engage with others.
This cohousing lifestyle offers a balance between independence and connection that many people feel is missing from traditional housing options.
An Inclusive and Welcoming Community
River Trail Commons is designed to be an inclusive, community-focused neighborhood where people from different backgrounds, life stages, and experiences feel welcome.
The goal is to create a place where a wide range of residents can find belonging and build meaningful connections.
This includes thoughtful communication, diverse representation, and a shared commitment to creating a respectful and supportive environment.
Inclusivity is not just a goal, but an ongoing practice within the community.
What it Feels Like to Own a Home Here
Living in a cohousing community is not about constant interaction. It’s about knowing that connection is there when you want it.
It’s the comfort of recognizing your neighbors, the ease of asking for help, and the feeling of being part of something more than just a place to live.
It’s a neighborhood where relationships form naturally over time, and where people look out for one another in ways that make daily life easier and more meaningful.
This is community living designed for everyday life.
River Trail Commons cohousing is being built by passionate local people who believe neighborhoods can be more connected, welcoming, and supportive. The community is already taking shape through the founders and future residents helping bring this vision to life.
Meet the People Behind River Trail Commons
Nola Hitchcock Cross, Founder & Lead Developer
Nola is a key visionary behind River Trail Commons, leading the development of Milwaukee's first cohousing community. She works to bring together thoughtful design, long-term planning, and community building to create a neighborhood where people can enjoy both independence and meaningful connection.
Vince Bushell, Community Formation Lead
Vince leads community formation efforts for River Trail Commons. A future owner-member of the community himself, he helps introduce prospective residents to the cohousing model and organizes outreach. Vince is active in the Riverwest community and is the publisher of the Riverwest Currents newspaper.
Future Residents of River Trail Commons
Pictured here are future owner-members, including Angela, Andre, Loren, and Jeremiah, who are already helping shape the future of River Trail Commons. Andre serves as Outreach Coordinator, connecting with prospective residents. They represent a core characteristic of cohousing: the community begins long before the homes are built!
Ready to keep exploring?
Understanding the community is an important step. The next is seeing how River Trail Commons works day-to-day and whether it aligns with what you’re looking for in a home. We invite you to explore if this Riverwest, Milwaukee neighborhood is right for you.