Free lecture November 11 to bring ideas and lessons learned when integrating ADUs into the fabric of a community.
Nonprofit organization Building a Better Bend, which seeks to positively impact the development and growth of the Central Oregon region, announced that Eli Spevak will be presenting a lecture on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on November 11. Spevak will discuss topics such as: his experiences working with cities in Oregon and beyond that allow ADUs, siting and design for successful ADUs; findings from a recent Oregon DEQ survey and crafting development code that respects the character of existing neighborhoods, including Bend.
ADUS, which are also called granny flats, in-law suites or backyard cottages provide a discreet, affordable, flexible, and environmentally friendly housing option, yet are outlawed or severely restricted by zoning codes in many cities today. Spevak will cover how the need for this type of housing has grown as median new home sizes (and prices) return to pre-recession highs. His findings show that nearly one-third of households in cities and suburbs are people living alone, and many communities are responding by adopting or revamping accessory dwelling unit (ADU) codes to expand the pallet of housing choices in single dwelling zones.
Spevak has been crafting affordable, community-oriented housing developments in Portland since he arrived in 1994 as a volunteer construction supervisor over 250 units of affordable housing through community-based non-profit organizations. He founded Orange Splot, a development and general contractor company, with Portland Habitat for Humanity. Orange Splot projects have been featured in the New York Times, Sunset Magazine, NBC’s Today Show, and Portland’s annual Build It Green! tours.
Soevak is also involved in the local small home movement and guides annual bike tours of tiny homes in Portland. Eli was awarded a Loeb Fellowship in Advanced Environmental Studies at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design in the 2013-2014 school year. He completed a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University and a Physics degree from Swarthmore College.
November 11, 6:30 p.m.
TITLE: Accessory Dwellings: Petite, Discreet & Affordable Homes
PRESENTER: Eli Spevak, sustainable development expert
LOCATION: Deschutes County Library Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall, Bend, Oregon, 97701
Spevak’s lecture was made possible through sponsorships from NorthWest Crossing, National Association of Realtors, Miller Lumber, The City of Bend, Compass Commercial and Wall Street Suites. For more information on Building a Better Bend, please visit buildingabetterbend.org.
