Work has begun on a 130-unit affordable housing project in Hood River, known as Mariposa Village. The development will feature a combination of six wood-framed residential buildings and a community center. The design includes a mix of townhouses, multistory multifamily buildings, and a dedicated building for seniors.

Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation and Community Development Partners are co-developing the Mariposa Village project. Holst Architecture has designed the project for general contractor Walsh Construction, with additional contributions from Klein and Associates (civil engineering), TM Rippey Consulting Engineers (structural engineering), Interface Engineering (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and PLACE (landscape architecture).

In 2020, the city of Hood River purchased the 7.25-acre site located at 780 Rand Road for $1.2 million, later donating the land for development via an RFP process. The total development cost is expected to reach around $74.2 million.

Mariposa Village will offer a variety of unit sizes, including seven studios, 29 one-bedroom units, 48 two-bedroom units, and 46 three-bedroom units. All units will be reserved for individuals or families earning up to 60 percent of the area’s median income (AMI). Thirty-nine of these units will have project-based vouchers from the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority, which will support households earning up to 30 percent of AMI.

“The design is intended to foster a sense of community among residents,” said Lucy Corbett, senior development manager at Community Development Partners.

The development will feature a community center with space for property management offices, resident services provided by Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation, as well as a classroom and meeting space. There will also be an outdoor patio for residents to gather.

In addition to the residential buildings, Mariposa Village will offer several outdoor amenities, including a park with a playground, community garden beds, and trails. The project will emphasize its natural surroundings by protecting onsite wetlands and integrating trails that are open to both Mariposa Village residents and the public.

“We’re excited to integrate these natural features for everyone in the community to enjoy,” said Jena Green, a spokesperson for Community Development Partners.

Sustainability is a priority for the project, with National Green Building Standard Gold certification as the target. The community center will be a net-zero energy building, equipped with solar panels on its roof. The residential units will meet the Oregon Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home standard, earning 45L tax credits.

The design of most buildings will include fiber-cement siding and gable roofs.

Construction began in late April 2025, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony planned for later this month. The first phase is expected to be completed by July 2026, and the second and final phase is slated for completion by January 2027.

The Mariposa Village development reflects an ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing in Hood River, which has seen significant population growth in recent years. Local officials emphasize the importance of projects like this to meet the growing demand for affordable homes, especially for lower-income families and seniors.

“We are proud to be part of the effort to bring quality, affordable housing to our community,” said Hood River Mayor, who expressed excitement about the long-term impact the development will have on local residents.

Local contractors and suppliers are expected to benefit from the project, with many contributing to the construction process. Moreover, as the city continues to explore new ways to address housing affordability, Mariposa Village is seen as a model for future developments. The city's collaboration with community partners on this project is expected to set a precedent for affordable housing across the region.

Originally reported by Hilary Dorsey in DJC Oregon.