(Park View consists of three-bedroom, two-bath homes in three models with attached garages | Rendering courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver)
More than 50 families have been able to move into new, affordable homes under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver since its founding in 1993, and — upon completion of the nonprofit’s newest workforce housing development — almost three dozen families will be added to that number.
Called Park View, the Habitat affiliate’s most ambitious project to date will feature 34 high-efficiency, fire-resistant townhomes located in north La Pine. Designed to meet the needs of moderate-income families (60% to 80% of area median income), these three-bedroom, two-bath homes with attached garages will — according to the official press release — “be part of a Permanent Affordability Model, ensuring long-term access to homeownership in a rapidly growing region.” Infrastructure construction begins this spring, with the first four homes expected to be completed by Fall 2026.
“We’re building hope and sustainability together,” said Executive Director Kim Gammond, “in line with our commitment to help more families in south Deschutes County achieve the dream of home ownership, while strengthening their own stability and self-reliance.”
According to Kevin Eckert, partner and founder of BUILD (the architectural design firm retained by Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver for this project), Park View will consist of a mix of one- and two-story townhouses in three models for visual variety. Square footage ranges from 1,182 to 1,322 (not including the one+ car garage), with fenced-in back yards, as well as back patios and/or front porches. A generous-size driveway provides two additional parking spaces per lot.
“Reflecting their focus on low-maintenance and low-energy cost, features in the homes include triple-pane window glazing for increased energy efficiency; ducted heat-pump heating and cooling throughout the home to maximize thermal comfort; and an ERV system that supplies fresh air throughout the home without letting in wildfire smoke,” Eckert said.
“A single envelope color scheme will create cohesion among the townhouses,” he continued, “while warm, honey-colored siding at recessed areas pop against the darker exterior. Drought- and fire-tolerant plantings will enhance biodiversity, support pollinators, and provide privacy.”
In sum, said Eckert, “high quality and high-performance construction will result in attractive, climate-resilient homes complementary to those in the surrounding neighborhood.”
In moving through the process from Park View’s initial concept to the commencement of construction, which has taken several years, Habitat’s Gammond credited the City of La Pine, which “was willing to do what needed to be done and answered all our questions.”
Former board member Dick Arnold added his own accolade. “Deschutes County has been phenomenal in working with us, with all three commissioners voting to approve our acquisition of land. We definitely want to keep that door open in planning for future home building efforts.”
And those efforts are inevitable, as the cost of living in Deschutes County has risen dramatically, while the gap between income levels and housing costs is widening, creating a situation where many individuals and families struggle to find affordable places to live. As Vicki Russell, past board president of Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver and board member for ten-plus years, has observed, “The need is more critical than it has ever been.”
Park View aims to make a dent in that need — and a difference in the lives of the 34 families who will call it home. Said Habitat’s Arnold, “We’re excited — I’ll tell you!”
