Åkesta

I had heard all types of stories about Åkesta before I arrived, most of them negative or skeptical. I was glad to find the rumors untrue. Åkesta did have a very rough start, but the residents have turned that around. The initiative to build Åkesta was taken in by a developer 1986. The project was supposed to be complete for the 1990 building fair being held in the city of Västerås. The developer initially sought out a group of interested persons to participate in the planning and received over 200 inquiries. An excited architect, full of ideas, was hired. The trouble, however, started when the developer realized they did not have time to incorporate the architect’s or future residents’ novel ideas. The first architect’s sketches were replaced by slightly modified blueprints from a previous project. Costs spiraled and the future residents felt excluded from the entire process. Finances were shaky in the first few years after building. The home owners association considered declaring bankruptcy and several families had to move. Eight years later, the residents have the upper hand. They have made a success out of what appeared to be a catastrophe.

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