Cottage Clusters in Clackamas County: Design, Density, and Delivery

Cottage cluster housing offers a compelling alternative to both traditional apartment buildings and conventional suburban subdivisions—combining thoughtful design, human-scale density, and affordability. This session explores how that promise is being realized through two affordable housing developments in Clackamas County.

Through detailed case studies, panelists examine Park Place, a major redevelopment of the Clackamas Heights public housing site led by the Housing Authority of Clackamas County that will deliver approximately 200 affordable cottage cluster homes, and Shortstack Milwaukie, an innovative middle housing homeownership project blending modular mass timber construction with traditional building methods.

The discussion focuses on lessons learned from planning, design, and construction, including site layout strategies, comparisons between modular and conventional construction approaches, and the role of resident engagement in shaping community design and programming. Panelists also address the opportunities and constraints of this emerging housing typology within Oregon’s evolving middle housing framework.

This session offers practical insight for housing providers, architects, developers, and public agencies interested in scalable, community-centered middle housing solutions.

Moderator:
Andrew Crampton, Senior Housing Developer, Housing Authority of Clackamas County

Presenters:
Devin Ellin, Housing Development Director, Housing Authority of Clackamas County
Gloria LaFleur, Housing Developer, Housing Authority of Clackamas County
Brian Squillace, Principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors
Jessy Ledesma, Principal, HomeWork Development