Bayside Commons

Nehalem, Oregon • 2024

Oregon’s housing crisis is acutely felt in rural coastal communities, and this 24-unit workforce housing project is a shining example of a move in the right direction. Bayside Commons leverages money through state and local programs to provide living arrangements for those making only 60% of area median income, with a few apartments reserved for those making only 30%. In addition to being attractive, the units are dry, warm, safe, spacious, and filled with natural light and ventilation. They are also Earth Advantage certified, and built to last for decades with minimal maintenance. To ensure an open, rural campus feel, the apartments are organized into six four-unit standalone buildings. The wide demographic of renters is served by a mix of one-, two- , and three-bedroom apartments.

A project like this isn’t easy to put together, due to complex financing arrangements, zoning requirements, public approval processes, and strict technical building requirements. Bayside Commons began as a concept in 2017, and took nearly seven years of work by many talented individuals to bring to fruition. By 2023, funding was in place and the general contractor Cove Built LLC joined the team. By the fall of 2024 the first tenants began to move into their new homes.