COTTAGE CLUSTERS
Are these Portland’s Innovative Answer to the Middle Housing Crisis
Portland has never been shy about rethinking the way cities grow. Lately, the city has been making a strong push for "middle housing" — housing types like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and cottage clusters — to help tackle its affordability challenges. Out of all these options, cottage clusters have been gaining real momentum. They combine the best of both worlds: a close-knit, community feel with a smarter use of space in a city that's only getting busier.
The Historical Context of Middle Housing in America
The roots of today’s cottage cluster concept can be loosely traced back to the Garden City movement, an early 20th-century urban planning idea that combined the best of town and country. Pioneered by Ebenezer Howard in the UK, Garden Cities emphasized self-contained communities surrounded by greenbelts, with carefully planned homes, communal gardens, and shared civic spaces. The goal was to offer healthy, affordable living without the downsides of industrial urban sprawl. While cottage clusters echo that same spirit of community, greenery, and human-scale design, they serve a different purpose in today’s context. Instead of building entire new towns from scratch, cottage clusters are typically nestled into existing neighborhoods — a response to housing shortages, zoning reform, and the need for more walkable, infill development. In short, both prioritize livability and community, but cottage clusters are a more nimble, modern tool for cities like Portland facing very different challenges.
In the early 20th century, American cities featured a diverse mix of housing types, including rowhouses, duplexes, and bungalow courts. These "middle housing" options provided affordable, community-oriented living. However, post-World War II zoning laws favored single-family homes, leading to suburban sprawl and the marginalization of these housing types. (Wikipedia)
The term "missing middle housing" was coined by architect Daniel Parolek to describe these overlooked housing forms that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment complexes.(Site)
Portland's Zoning Reforms: Paving the Way for Cottage Clusters
Recognizing the need for diverse housing options, Oregon passed House Bill 2001 in 2019, mandating cities with over 25,000 residents to allow middle housing types in areas previously zoned exclusively for single-family homes. Portland responded with the Residential Infill Project (RIP), implemented in 2021 and expanded in 2022. This initiative has led to a significant uptick in middle housing construction. Between August 2021 and June 2024, over 1,400 accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and middle housing units were permitted in single-dwelling zones.
Aging in place cottage cluster - Propel Studios
These zoning changes have paved the way for innovative housing developments across Portland. For instance, the NE Holladay Cottage Cluster in the Montavilla neighborhood is adding four new homes around a shared courtyard, complementing an existing 1931-era residence. This project exemplifies how cottage clusters can increase housing density while preserving neighborhood character. Montavilla News
Another notable example is the Modern Cottages at Sixty-Seventh, which showcases a contemporary take on cottage cluster design, integrating multiple small homes with shared outdoor spaces. These developments not only provide more housing options but also foster a sense of community among residents.
The Residential Infill Project has also influenced the design of middle housing types like duplexes and fourplexes. A recent progress report indicates that the average sales price for new middle housing units is trending $250,000 to $300,000 less than that of new single-family homes, making them more accessible to a broader range of buyers. Portland.gov+1Hoodline+1
Cottages on SE 67th Ave
These examples illustrate how Portland's zoning reforms are actively shaping the city's housing landscape, promoting affordability, and encouraging diverse, community-oriented living arrangements.
Middle Housing Infographic
The Affordable Housing Landscape in Portland
Despite these efforts, Portland faces a substantial affordable housing deficit. Since 2015, the city has added 3,473 new affordable housing units, housing approximately 6,583 people. However, Oregon still lacks about 128,000 affordable units for extremely low and very low-income households.(Site)
Moreover, a significant portion of units labeled as "affordable" are priced within $6 of the local fair market rate, raising concerns about their true affordability for low-income residents.(Site)
AARP
Evaluating Cottage Clusters as a Solution
Cottage clusters offer several advantages:
Community-Oriented Design: These clusters promote social interaction through shared spaces.
Efficient Land Use: They increase density without the need for high-rise construction.
Affordability: Typically, these units are more affordable than traditional single-family homes.
However, challenges remain. The scale of cottage cluster developments may not be sufficient to meet the vast demand for affordable housing. Additionally, without subsidies or incentives, there's a risk that these units may still be out of reach for the lowest-income residents.(Site)
Organizations like Habitat for Humanity offer opportunities for first-time home owners within certain income ranges to earn a home through sweat equity and other reasonable requirements.
Cottage clusters represent a thoughtful step towards diversifying Portland's housing landscape. While they contribute positively, they are not a standalone solution. A combination of policy reforms, increased funding, and community engagement is essential to ensure that all Portland residents have access to affordable, quality housing.
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