Affordable Housing Project Woodland Hearth Breaks Ground: Work Begins
In the heart of the Portland metro area, just north of the Tigard Triangle, the Woodland Hearth project is taking shape as an inspiring model of community-focused affordable housing. Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) is spearheading this initiative, with LRS Architects providing design expertise and Colas Construction serving as general contractor.
Meeting the Need: Family-Centered Affordable Housing
Amid rising housing costs and declining availability of spacious, affordable family homes, local residents in the Southwest Corridor voiced their need for larger units as transit expansion progressed. Woodland Hearth directly addresses this gap by offering 63 thoughtfully designed apartments—built to serve families first and foremost.
The project’s unit mix is intentionally diverse: five studios, 18 one-bedrooms, 17 two-bedrooms, 19 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom units. More than half—23 units—will target households .earning 0–30% of Area Median Income (AMI), while others are designed for those at 31–60% AMI. Notably, 22 units include permanent supportive housing with rental assistance and integrated services.
Innovative Design & Community Amenities
The L-shaped, five-story building spans approximately 66,372 square feet, clad in metal panels, fiber cement panels, and accent chevron panels. It also includes vinyl tilt-and-turn windows, storefront glazing at the ground level, and rooftop solar panels .
Additional features include:
- A shared community garden nestled between building wings, along with outdoor seating, a grill plaza, and children’s play structure .
- Equitable contracting: 48% of contracting dollars are allocated to minority- and women-owned businesses (MWESB)—including Colas Construction and LRS Architects.
Strong Financial & Regional Support
Funded partly by a $9.5 million Metro Affordable Housing Bond and a $300,000 Transit‑Oriented Development grant, Woodland Hearth also benefits from Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) permanent supportive housing funding. CPAH was granted $3 million to support the 22 PSH units.
Key Role: BC Group as Owner’s Representative
A crucial, though often behind-the-scenes, contributor to Woodland Hearth is BC Group, serving as the owner’s representative. In this role, BC Group acts as the CPAH’s advocate throughout design, approvals, and construction—coordinating among architects, contractors, civic agencies, and community stakeholders. Their involvement ensures alignment with project goals, maintains schedules, and upholds budget integrity.
Project Timeline & Outlook
Ground broke on December 19, 2024, with completion anticipated in August 2026 . When complete, Woodland Hearth will bring 63 units of affordable, family-sized housing near transit, wrapped in supportive service systems, outdoor communal space, and a focus on equity and sustainability.
Why Woodland Hearth Matters
- Family focus: the design responds directly to feedback calling for larger units at accessible rents.
- Transit-oriented: sited within Tigard’s urban renewal zone, near highways and MAX service—ideal for reducing car dependency.
- Supportive housing: 22 units include wraparound services, stabilizing housing for vulnerable residents.
- Equitable development: nearly half of contracting dollars go to MWESB firms.
With BC Group supporting the development and construction process, Woodland Hearth is poised to set a new standard for equitable, accessible, and community-responsive affordable housing in greater Portland.
As construction progresses, Woodland Hearth stands as a powerful blueprint for how public funds, local advocacy, and skilled project leadership—such as that provided by BC Group—can come together to transform housing outcomes for families in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Woodland Hearth project?
Woodland Hearth is a 63-unit affordable housing development in the Portland metro area designed to provide family-centered housing with a mix of studio to four-bedroom units, prioritizing accessibility and community living.
Who is developing the Woodland Hearth project?
The project is led by Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH), with design by LRS Architects, construction by Colas Construction, and project oversight support from BC Group as the Owner’s Representative.
What types of housing units are included in Woodland Hearth?
The development includes studios, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, with more than half of the units targeted for households earning 0–60% of Area Median Income (AMI), including supportive housing units.
What role does BC Group play in the project?
BC Group serves as the Owner’s Representative, coordinating between stakeholders, managing communication, supporting schedule and budget control, and ensuring the project aligns with the owner’s goals throughout design and construction.
What makes Woodland Hearth an important affordable housing project?
It combines transit-oriented design, family-sized housing, supportive services, equitable contracting with MWESB firms, and strong public funding to create a community-focused affordable housing model in the Portland region.
