A vast and diverse garden to grow in


Sunflower House is a non-profit housing cooperative that began in 1969. It is located adjacent to the University of Kansas main campus. Sunflower House is also within biking or walking distance to Haskell Indian Nations University, grocery stores, Lawrence's farmers’ markets, downtown, parks, and restaurants. As of August 2021, our members represent an eclectic sampling of the Lawrence community, including university students, folks working in Lawrence, and individuals simply interested in cooperative living.

Sunflower House shares house meals four days a week; Sunday. Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. All house food and house meals include vegetarian options, but many residents are omnivorous, and meat is frequently prepared by individuals in the Sunflower House kitchen. In addition to shared meals, Sunflower House has a bulk food pantry which includes primarily dry staples such as oats, rice, beans, and baking ingredients.

The house functions on a democratically run self-governed shared labor system. In addition to contributing to the house with your own unique skills and abilities, each member of the house is required to spend at least three hours per week performing chores and maintenance in order to sustain such a large house. There are several stewardship committees (Maintenance, Logistics, Finance, Food, Environment, Occupancy and Community) that members take part in to maintain a functional and thriving cooperative.

We have a house meeting every Monday night at 8:00 PM where we deal with house business, make decisions, and check in with each other. Attending house meeting is an integral part of living in the community and is considered mandatory. Of course everybody has other commitments from time to time, but members who consistently miss meeting are not able to fully participate in the community and its decision-making processes.
Sunflower House is comprised of two older 3 story buildings joined together. With 32 private bedrooms, it is the largest housing cooperative in Lawrence. The large size of Sunflower House means there are plenty of spaces available for various activities. There are plentiful communal spaces and resources including a commercial grade kitchen, dining and living rooms, entertainment rooms, a workshop with shared tools, an equipped workout area, public printer, patios, a thriving garden, and composting and recycling facilities. There are five washers and five dryers, with one washer and dryer each reserved for members with accessibility needs. There is a bathroom in each hallway, including an ADA accessible bathroom. Food, utilities including internet, and household items such as laundry detergent, lightbulbs, and others are all included in monthly rent. Rent is between $400-$575 depending on room size. In addition to ample bike storage, there is a parking lot and street parking available. Pets are allowed at Sunflower House pending house and board approval.
​

Want to live with us?
​Here's how.
Rooms available for immediate move in and for August. Sign a year lease in June and get your first month rent free! Just pay utilities and food fees. Apply ASAP!

If you’re interested in living at Sunflower House, please fill out an application. The application can be submitted online.

Once the application has been submitted, we will arrange for you to come over and meet the house for a meal and interview. Phone interviews are also an option, but we would prefer to meet you in person!

Contact us.
Sunflower House Housing Cooperative
785-331-4547