Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Why Did You Choose The Name Lykke? How Is It Pronounced?
Lykke (pronounced “LOO-kah”) is the Danish word for happiness. Denmark consistently tops the international charts on measures influencing happiness, using measures defined by the Gallup World Poll such as healthy life expectancy, economic prosperity (GDP per capita), social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and the perception of corruption.
Denmark – and other Scandinavian countries – offer insight into best practices that support happiness, primarily through how people are connecting to one another. These concepts are foundational in how we build stronger, more connected towns and communities.
Does Lykke Communities Work With Groups Outside Of New Ulm, MN?
Our mission expands beyond the borders of the New Ulm, MN city limits. Currently, Lykke Communities offers a variety of consultative services that can be contracted in the region, including process engineering (Lean Six Sigma) facilitation, motivational speaking, and other services. At this time, the brick and mortar projects are focused in the New Ulm area.
Please contact us to learn more about how Lykke Communities can help to elevate your community.
What Types Of Projects Does Lykke Communities Lead?
Our mission is to catalyze projects that lead to stronger social relationships, and more resilient communities. In most cases, this focuses on walkability, design, and inclusion.
Project examples include creation of community spaces, events, and housing. Check out our other projects for more details.
What Types of Amenities Will Lykke Books Offer?
Programming is primarily focused on youth grades 5-10 and will include movement-based classes, art, music, woodworking, bike maintenance, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
Lykke Books will also feature a variety of unusual animals, offering youth the opportunity to interact with and learn about caretaking for these creatures.
Most importantly, the space will offer casual gathering spaces for youth to connect with each other, find mentorship with positive adult role models, and to offer places of respite and reflection where they can truly be themselves.
Where Is Lykke Books Located?
203 N Minnesota St New Ulm, MN 56073
Will The Community Center Serve Other Groups In Addition To Youth?
Yes, absolutely! The space will be open to the public routinely during Lykke Books hours. However, there will be regular hours when portions of the space will be given priority to youth during after-school hours.
We aspire to create a gathering space where people of all ages and walks of life come to feel a greater sense of belonging.
Co-Housing Is A Term I've Heard Used To Describe This Type Of Multi-Generational Housing Project. What Exactly Is Co-Housing?
Click Here for more information from our Projects Page
For more information about co-housing concepts, check out the following:
Cohousing US – Cohousing Association of the United States – https://www.cohousing.org
Twin Cities Cohousing Network (TCCN): https://www.tccoho.org
How Is This Model Different Than A Typical Neighborhood Concept?
Traditional housing is focused on checking a box to provide living space and accessibility for vehicles. Lykke Communities takes this model a step further to intentionally design spaces we work and play to build trust between residents, creating a micro-community. The value of this project is in the strength of relationships built between residents across the lifespan.
Is This Housing Model For Rentals Or Ownership?
It can be rental, owned units, or a mix of the two. This has yet to be determined for the New Ulm multi-generational living project.
How Does Cost Compare To Traditional Housing Options?
Prices are comparable to the local housing and rental markets. The square footage of the dwellings is somewhat smaller than a comparably priced traditional home – and that cost savings is invested in jointly owned shared spaces such as community gardens, a playground, the Common House, a woodworking shop, etc. Residents living in similar communities around the world frequently comment that they spent less time in their individual dwelling, and that if that could build it over again, they would choose even smaller private dwellings to have access to even more common amenities.
What Is The Average Age Of Residents?
The beauty of Lykke Communities is that the community is composed of a variety of ages. Multi-generational cohousing is most often sought by:
- Aging adults desiring independent living, but desiring extra support for house, lawn, and snow maintenance
- Working families with young children – looking for a safe place for their children to run and actively play with other kids.
- Single individuals desiring to be part of a community
- Couples of families seeking to be more connected within a community
- Individuals with accessibility concerns
In short, co-housing is a great option for the vast majority of people.
Are The Housing Units Pet-Friendly?
This has not yet been determined; interested residents will ultimately be the decision-makers about the expectations regarding pets.
Is There Skilled Nursing Care Provided On-Site?
Individuals requiring skilled nursing support – such as care provided by a nursing home or assisted living facility – are not a great fit for this model of living, given that there are no nursing or hired support services provided.