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Project name: Las Flores

Location: Oregon City

Completion: May 2024

Size: 175,887 square feet

Cost: $46,313,735

Owner/Developer: Community Development Partners in collaboration with Hacienda CDC

Architect: Salazar Architects

Interior Designer: Salazar Architects

Engineers: Valar Engineering, Jet Industries, Tradesmen Electric

General Contractor: LMC Construction

Submitting Company: LMC Construction

Other Key Associates: Center for Public Interest Design, Clackamas County Housing Authority, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Oregon Metro, PLACE

Subcontractors: ACME Scenic and Display, All Trades, Ambrose Glass, Bridgeport Interiors, Cash’s Drapery, Creators, DE-EL Commercial, DeaMor Associates, Frontier Metal Fabrication, Frontier Roofing, GE Appliances, Great Northwest Gutters, Halsey Design, J&S Masonry, JB Insulation, Jet Industries, KO Construction, Kodiak Pacific, Lanz Cabinets, LaRusso Concrete, Lauzon Contracting, LJP Construction, Medallion Industries, Merit Contractor of Oregon, Northwest Masonry, Outdoor Play and Amenities, Pacific Landscape Services, Patriot Fire Protection, RECORP, Tapani Plumbing, Time Frame, Topline Counters, Tradesmen Electric, Ultra Quiet Floors, Universal Flooring & Interiors, US Mailboxes, VPI, Zavala

When residents walk through Las Flores, they don’t just see an affordable housing development. They experience a thoughtfully designed community centered around connection and well-being.

The seven three-story apartment buildings form a circle around a central park, creating a cohesive environment where families can thrive. This intentional layout preserves clusters of mature trees, adding to the park-like setting that includes walking paths, children’s play areas and a community garden.

Las Flores, a collaboration between Community Development Partners and Hacienda CDC, offers 171 affordable housing units for individuals and families earning 30 percent to 60 percent of the area’s median income.

From the earliest conceptual plans, Las Flores focused on the social aspects of housing. The development features numerous gathering spaces, from wider breezeways with small tables to a barbecue area with picnic tables.

What sets Las Flores apart is its Asset-Based Community Development approach, empowering residents to actively shape their living environment rather than implementing traditional top-down housing models.

The project addresses specific community needs by setting aside units for agricultural workers, supported by Agriculture Workforce Housing Tax Credits. Nine units are dedicated to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, with support services provided by Northwest Housing Alternatives and Hacienda’s Youth and Family Services division.

At the heart of the development stands La Casa Rosa, the community building that hosts workshops and classes. Bilingual and bicultural staff offer services including translation, financial education and workforce development.

Las Flores emphasizes sustainability with Earth Advantage Platinum certification. The development is all-electric, eliminating fossil fuels in building operations, and includes EV charging stations. Solar panels are already installed on the community building, with apartment buildings wired for future installation.

Beyond physical structures, the project integrates public art throughout the property, fostering pride and belonging among residents.

The minority contracting goal for Las Flores was 20 percent, but LMC Construction achieved an impressive 35.84 percent. This included 15.30 percent participation from Minority Business Enterprises, 18.86 percent from Women Business Enterprises, and 1.69 percent from Emerging Small Businesses. In addition, 92 percent of the subcontractors were based in Oregon, with one-third of that total based in Clackamas County where Las Flores is located. LMC collaborated with LatinoBuilt, the National Association of Minority Contractors-Oregon and Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, as well as other organizations, to identify and engage potential contractors.