A group of us from NoCo have embarked on a fresh, exhilarating journey, transitioning to our latest coliving space - NiCo. It’s called NiCo, because it’s located on nicolet street, but it conveniently shortens to a great name for the second space! We're the trailblazers, the first batch of residents to infuse life into this space as it gradually turns into a dynamic coliving space. There's a lot of possibilities to explore, abundant room for creative redesign, and boundless potential for growth.
NiCo is vast! With 13 bedrooms, a generous kitchen and dining area, an eerily vast basement, and a backyard, it was already ready to welcome its first 10 residents. The house has a unique charm with its wooden flooring, high ceilings, intricate designs, and colorful tiles. It exudes a tranquil, homely charm that's gradually growing on us as we spend more time here.
Our initial two weeks were all about transforming NiCo into a functional, inviting living space. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work, constructing work desks, beds, dining tables, and chairs. We quickly self-organized into efficient teams, each focusing on cleaning, building, or organizing supplies. The collective effort to shape the space was not just incredibly fun, but it also fostered a sense of ownership and camaraderie among us. A special shout-out to Maria, Ana, and Nick for their tireless efforts in getting the space ready for habitation!
Discovering the Neighbourhood
NiCo is conveniently located right next to the delightful La Lancette park. Living next to a park is like discovering a hidden gem. This one's got it all - a compact outdoor gym, a dedicated dog park, a pétanque play area, and a sprawling green field that's perfect for anything from a leisurely stroll to an energetic run. The park truly comes alive in the mornings. It's a hub of activity with dogs frolicking in their designated area, parents accompanying their children to school, and busy individuals savoring their morning coffee amidst the park's verdant surroundings. This great atmosphere serves as a perfect kickstart to the day.
NiCo is nestled in the heart of the Hochelega neighborhood, a place with a sense of local community. This summer, a part of the street through the neighborhood was converted to a pedestrian-friendly zone. It's buzzing with local vendors showcasing their goods, children's play areas, and inviting benches for those seeking a moment of rest. They even hosted a wrestling match and set up a rollerblading arena, adding to the area's lively spirit.
Street Wrestling in Hochelaga!
A park in the neighborhood featured Maria's friend’s local bands, Valaire, and the atmosphere was nothing short of jubilant. The gathering was a mix of families, young adults, and children, all immersing themselves in the festivities. The sense of camaraderie was evident, with many attendees greeting each other as familiar neighbors. It is events and moments like these that are rewarding to see as they reinforce the community spirit! Adding to the neighborhood's appeal is its proximity to the iconic Olympic Stadium. Having a world-class sports facility within arm's reach is indeed a privilege. The structure has even inspired some colivers, including myself, to take up swimming lessons there.
Hochelaga offers a unique perspective on Montreal, distinct from the bustling, tourist-centric downtown area where I've spent the majority of the past three years. The neighborhood's charm and community spirit have sparked my curiosity, and I look forward to continuing my exploration of this part of the city. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity.Â
Our journey doesn't end here. We're continually iterating and building, with NiCo set to undergo a series of design transformations in the coming months, to make it welcoming for more colivers with a total of 16 rooms. The anticipation is palpable as we look forward to transforming this space into a thriving coliving space, offering more people the opportunity to enjoy a shared living experience. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to shape NiCo. Stay tuned for more updates, folks!
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