Spencer Court Workforce Housing

According to a recent report released by the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Ninety-five percent of employers in Central Oregon say that housing costs have negatively impacted their ability to hire staff. To meet the demand for affordable workforce housing, Housing Works repurposed Spencer Court, an aging and obsolete 16-unit affordable housing development. In this scrape-and-build project, the existing development is being replaced with a modern 60-unit community that includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes for those earning less than $37,800 in annual income.

The vision for Spencer Court is multi-faceted – creating a space that not only addresses the housing crisis, but also fosters a sense of community and functionality for individuals and families. To this end, the design includes a community building for residents to gather, a dog washing station, a playground, a dog run, and plenty of bike storage.

Strategically situated for convenience and accessibility, the site offers proximity to shopping, banking services, medical facilities, recreational opportunities, and reliable public transportation. The design maximizes natural light with large windows in the residences and community spaces, increasing the energy efficiency of the space along with the quality of life for the residents. Targeting an Earth Advantage Platinum Certification, the design includes sustainability features such as electric vehicle charging stations, ample bike storage, energy-efficient windows, ductless heat pump systems, Energy Star appliances, and Water Sense efficient plumbing features.

To avoid displacing residents, the new community has been designed around the existing structures. This thoughtful approach ensures that most of the current residents can remain in place during construction and receive priority placement in the new homes. The mission of Spencer Court extends beyond affordable housing. It’s about crafting a thriving and sustainable community that meets the needs of Central Oregon’s workforce and their families.