The seasons are changing! As autumn arrives, wetter weather always presents some challenges. Here’s what’s happening at our build sites:
CENTURY COMMONS (Hillsboro)
We recently hosted our inaugural Frame a Future campaign celebration at Century Commons! Attendees got to peek behind the walls at several sustainability and accessibility features. Keep an eye on our social media so you can take the tour, virtually.
Nearly all windows are now in, with front doors being installed soon. But the big, visible change will be siding going up on Buildings 5 and 6. People often ask why our homes are all black, but that’s actually just the weather-resistant barrier!
Volunteer opportunities will ramp up in October. They’re working on Building 8, which will be getting a second story and roof as soon as possible. In other units, it’s on to interior finishes: trim, doors, and floors. Daily volunteer slots are open throughout the week, including Saturdays.
If you or your business would like to get involved in volunteering with Habitat, click here.
KING CITY COMMONS (King City, near Tigard)
The notable change here is Building 3! It’s now not only framed, but the roof and the weather-resistant barrier are on. Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work will start as soon as our trade partners finish on Building 2.
Building 1 has already passed plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections. That means we’re ready to cover everything with insulation and sheet rock.
More volunteer opportunities should be coming by November, when we expect to start cabinets and flooring. All in all, Site Supervisor Ryan Martini says things are moving efficiently, and once the Building 2 rough-in is finished, “we’ll be looking real good.”
GOOSEBERRY TRAILS (SW Portland)
Right now we are working on mass grading, or benching the lots. This is the process of moving and leveling dirt for stability, drainage, and future construction.
Our trade partners are putting in sewer and storm lines. Then they’ll excavate the earth and make pad sites, where 52 new homes will sit. Wet weather is a hindrance for this sort of work, so the rain will dictate how fast it goes.
TWENTY-FIFTH TERRACE (SW Portland)
We’ve just finished civil work: improving roads and curbs after tying our site into existing city infrastructure. Now our sewer, storm, electricity and data lines are plugged in and ready! Soon we’ll start to work on pad sites and stabilizing walls, so we can put in foundations.
This 23-home community, featuring 3- to 5-bedroom homes, is expected to see framing begin in the coming spring.
WEST LAKE GROVE (Lake Oswego)
We’re nearly done with site development here! The footing for a signal arm on Boones Ferry has been poured, and now needs to sit for 28 days to come up to strength.
When completed, West Lake Grove will feature 23, family-sized homes near nature areas and beautiful parks.
Volunteers have finished removing all the old siding off the job trailer. You may have seen our staff build in August to start this nail-pulling work. New siding donated by Parr Lumber will ensure our construction team stays warm and dry this winter!
FOSTER COMMONS (SE Portland)
Foster Commons has recently been honored with two awards:
Earth Advantage Project of the Year for Affordable Single Family, and Housing Oregon’s Golden Key Award for Best Homeownership Development.
Foster Commons features 40 affordable townhomes with a mix of two to five bedrooms. They were built to Earth Advantage Platinum standards with 100% electric appliances, hybrid electric heat pump water heaters, and solar-ready roofs!
Accessibility is another important feature of this community. Every home includes a no-step entry, and most have at least one ground-floor bedroom to support aging in place.
We’re honored to receive these recognitions and proud of our work to ensure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home!
