Deeply rooted in Lawrence and extending the branch of cooperation 


Olive House is the original student housing cooperative in Lawrence started in 1938 as the Jayhawk Coop. The house went through many organizational shifts and closed in the 1965’s. After a stint of being filled with several groups including an alleged cadre of yogis, a band of followers of a rare religion, and a group of vegetarians, it was reopened as an POOCH coop in 1998. As all three POOCH cooperatives are, Olive House is run by residents and offers a diverse and engaging cooperative experience.

Olive House is a mix of students and non-students, so everyone has different schedules, and daily life looks different for everyone. One thing you can expect is that everyday you will interact with a number of your wonderful roommates and have a wonderful community support network in your life. People cook together, and at least once a week we have a group meal cooked by different members of the house.

Meals are primarily vegetarian. In addition to meals, Olive House hosts a monthly potluck. You have weekly and daily responsibilities in our labor and administration systems. As a member of the house please be prepared to commit 5 hours of time a week to maintaining the house and community. Weekends could include yard work days, work days cleaning out the basement, brunches, bonfires and just hanging out on the awesome front porch.

​Mandatory bi-weekly house meetings take place on Sunday evenings at 5:30. Members of the house make a concerted effort to spend quality time together, be there for each other and form a community that is open and affirming! ​
Olive House has 8 bedrooms located on the top two floors and common space on the first floor and basement levels. There are 2 full bathrooms. It is the smallest cooperative in Lawrence. There is a bountiful garden with a strawberry patch, a fire pit and grill in the backyard, a bike workshop area, a music room, shared tools, shared computer and printer, projector and screen, a dishwasher, and composting and recycling facilities. In addition to bike parking, there is one reserved parking spot as well as ample street parking. Rent is about $416-$430 a month. Rent includes all utilities, high speed wireless internet, laundry facilities and detergent, a bulk food program, a weekly house meal and various other perks! Olive House is normally pet free, but feel free to email us if you would like to inquire about your pet.

Want to live with us?
​Here's how.​
If you are interested in being part of our intentional community, please submit an application. Remember, the best way to get to know us is to come hang out at the house, so come by soon!
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This application, along with a possible interview and room availability, will be used by current members to make a determination on your placement in the house. There are no wrong answers. It's key that we get to know you, so please elaborate and be as informative (and creative!) as possible in your application. Call us at 785.813.1075 or
e-mail us if you have any questions or want to set up a visit!

Contact us.
Olive House Housing Cooperative
785-371-2664