Common Ground Wellness Cooperative

The cooperative began more than thirty years ago in a house on NE Everett Street as Common Ground Wellness Center. The nonprofit was formed in 1997, and the house was rented to run hot tubs, a sauna, massage and other practitioner services. The business moved to its current NE 33rd Avenue location in 2007 and became a cooperative in 2010.

Common Ground is owned by its members, who buy individual lifetime shares for $250. The share can be paid in one payment, in two installments, or in five yearly payments of $50, which carry the same member benefits. Each member has one vote in annual elections and on major decisions, and members may run for the Board of Directors. The board has two seats each for patrons, staff and practitioners, meets monthly with meetings open to members, and votes at an annual membership meeting in May. An Executive Director oversees day-to-day operations.

The bathhouse is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, opening at 3 pm on Wednesdays. It is meditative and quieter than social, with silent hours from 10 am to 11 am and 9 pm to 10 pm. The pool sits around 103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the sauna is typically about 185 degrees, and the water is 3 to 4 feet deep. Bathhouse guests shower before and after using the pools, sauna or bodywork, sit on towels, leave photo ID at the front desk, and store phones in lockers. Alcohol and glass are not allowed, and touch of any kind is prohibited in the bathhouse. No lifeguard is on duty. Children aged 5 to 18 may use the hot tub with an adult guardian, and no one under 5 may enter under state law. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability, and reservations are recommended for weekends, evenings and winter.

Soak and sauna sessions run 30 minutes for $18, 60 minutes for $28 ($25 for members), 90 minutes for $38 ($35 for members) and 120 minutes for $48 ($45 for members). Towels can be brought or rented at $2.50 each. Wellness sessions run from 30 minutes to two hours, with member rates available on shorter and mid-length bookings. Bathhouse time is not included with a practitioner session and can be booked before, after or both. Practitioners are independent business owners rather than employees. The chiropractor, naturopaths and acupuncturists accept most forms of health insurance, though coverage should be checked before the visit. Many practitioners accept Motor Vehicle Accident claims, and those visits need a phone call to schedule. A credit card is kept on file for bookings but not charged at booking. Soak cancellations need at least two hours' notice, or half the bathhouse price is charged; practitioners charge the full session price for no-shows without communication.

Affinity Hours are identity-specific bathhouse times offered for groups including trans people, QTBIPOC, BIPOC, women and Fat people. Most take place on Tuesday evenings from 7 pm to 10 pm, are priced at standard bathhouse rates, and are open only to people who identify with the group. Wellness sessions can be booked during these hours, and front desk staff who belong to the group work them when possible. Groups of 7 to 22 can arrange a private party in advance. The business describes itself as one of the most unique, well-loved experiences in Portland, and says that visitors over the decades have described feeling comfortable, safe, relaxed and respected.

The cooperative makes values-based decisions with a focus on long-term financial stability rather than profit alone. It aims to bring wellness to the community in an environmentally friendly way, using natural cleaners and pool maintenance systems.

The bathhouse is a quiet, meditative space with an outdoor courtyard, designed to be more restful than social.