A community-driven redevelopment project is underway in Jongam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, where residents are determining the direction of the project instead of conforming to the designs and branding proposed by construction companies. The 'Commons Jongam' housing redevelopment project distinguishes itself by securing initial funding through public loans and solidifying its project plans before selecting a contractor.
Lee Won-hyung, chairman of the Commons Jongam association, explained the project's inception during a meeting on October 1 at their office near Mount Gaewoon, stating, "From the beginning, we had a strong desire to create the homes we need and want ourselves."
The Commons Jongam project will consist of 130 housing units in the area of Jongam-dong 81-188. Construction began in September 2025, with a completion target set for June 2028, and is being carried out by Bomi Construction.
"The Purpose of the Project is More Important than the Brand"
Lee clarified that the association did not insist on its own brand from the start. While they considered applying existing brands through discussions with various construction companies, they found that doing so would require significant modifications to their original project vision.
"The narrative behind a brand is important," he said. "We believed that preserving the story we have created so far would be a more stable strategy for advancing the project."
Rather than relying on a construction company's brand, the association aimed to maintain the project's purpose and identity, leading to the decision to adopt the name 'Commons.'
This choice was facilitated by their method of securing initial funding. Typically, redevelopment associations require operational and design funds after establishment. If they lack sufficient funds, they often rush to select a contractor to secure financing.
Lee noted, "In many redevelopment projects, the lack of initial funds leads to a hurried selection of contractors to cover operational costs rather than focusing on the construction itself."
The Commons Jongam project utilized loans from the Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) related to small-scale housing redevelopment. By securing initial funding through public sources, they reduced their financial dependence on contractors, allowing the association to take the lead in the project. Lee stated, "In typical redevelopment projects, contractor selection occurs early in the process, but we postponed that step."
In fact, the association advanced through architectural reviews and design processes before selecting a contractor, emphasizing the maintenance of their original design direction during negotiations with construction companies.
Lee assessed that public funding was a crucial factor enabling this community-led initiative. He explained that if the initial funding had come from a contractor, it would have been challenging for the association to maintain its original project vision, highlighting that public financial support can secure the autonomy of private associations.
"Those Who Will Live Here After Completion"
The Commons Jongam project boasts a high participation rate from existing residents. According to the association, of the 32 original members, three opted for cash settlements, leaving 29 actively involved in the project. This means approximately 90% of existing members remain engaged.
This area has long been a residential zone densely populated with single-family homes. Many members have lived in Jongam-dong for 20 to 40 years. The association noted that the desire of existing residents to continue living in the same area after the redevelopment influenced the project's direction. Lee remarked, "Because we were the original residents, we could plan together for the past, present, and future."
He further explained that since the residents will continue to live in the completed homes, they considered not only immediate project profits but also future living conditions and management methods.
Minimizing the departure of existing residents during the redevelopment process is also a significant challenge. However, the current participation rate does not necessarily reflect the actual resettlement rate after completion.
"What Happens After the Apartments Are Built is More Important"
The community-led initiative of Commons Jongam will continue even after the apartments are completed. The association has established the 'Gaewoon Mountain Village Social Cooperative.' Unlike typical redevelopment associations that dissolve after project completion, the cooperative will continue to facilitate resident activities and manage shared facilities post-occupancy.
Lee disclosed that they are designing a system where residents actively participate in the management of the complex, differing from traditional apartment management methods. He stated, "When residents are involved in the management, they can treat the apartments not just as shared housing but as their own homes, leading to more proactive care."
The cooperative is currently composed mainly of existing redevelopment association members. Plans are in place to include residents who move in through general sales, allowing them to participate in decision-making regarding shared facilities and complex management.
Lee expressed hope that this operational model could provide Commons Jongam with a lasting competitive edge. He believes that the role of the brand does not end with the construction of the apartments; rather, the value of living experiences and community can accumulate as residents engage in their daily lives.
Finally, he stated, "I want to expand this type of project beyond Commons Jongam to create Commons 2 and 3," indicating plans to extend the community-led small-scale redevelopment experiment to other areas.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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