The Peace Village Co-op is the first housing cooperative in Oregon to be built on land owned by a community land trust, combining affordable home ownership with long-term affordability.
The 70 units at the co-op feature a unique "tiny home" design, with each home having 256 square feet of ground floor space plus an additional 112 square feet.
Also worth reading: How do AI tax loss harvesting strategies work in 2026 and what are the best tools available? · What are the state EITC income limits and eligibility charts for 2026? · How is AI impacting gig economy workers in 2026 and what are the financial implications?
The co-op is part of a "Shared-Equity Homeownership Pilot Program" funded by the state legislature, which aims to test new models for preserving affordable housing.
Residents of the Peace Village Co-op will collectively own their homes through a limited-equity cooperative structure, while the land is owned by the community land trust to maintain affordability.
The co-op's compact and sustainable design, including features like on-site stormwater management and energy-efficient appliances, is expected to significantly reduce residents' utility costs.
SquareOne Villages, the nonprofit developer of the co-op, has incorporated feedback from the local community throughout the planning and design process to ensure the project meets their needs.
The co-op's location on the former site of the Peace Presbyterian Church reflects the church's mission to address housing affordability, though the co-op is not directly affiliated with the church.
Residents of the Peace Village Co-op will have access to shared community spaces, including a common house, community gardens, and recreational areas.
The co-op's membership model allows residents to build equity over time, providing a pathway to wealth-building for low-income households.
The co-op's design incorporates passive solar principles, with thoughtfully placed windows and strategic shading to maximize energy efficiency.
Residents will be responsible for maintaining and managing the co-op through their participation in the cooperative's governance structure.
The Peace Village Co-op is expected to serve as a model for future affordable housing developments in Eugene and beyond, demonstrating the potential of the community land trust and limited-equity cooperative approach.
The co-op's location near public transportation, schools, and other community amenities is designed to support residents' access to economic and social opportunities.
The co-op's development process has involved close collaboration between SquareOne Villages, the city of Eugene, and local organizations to ensure the project aligns with the community's needs and priorities.
The co-op's emphasis on resident ownership and control is aimed at empowering low-income households and fostering a sense of community and self-determination.
The co-op's small-scale, energy-efficient homes are part of a growing trend in sustainable housing design, which seeks to reduce environmental impact and promote affordability.
The co-op's shared-equity model is designed to balance individual homeownership with collective responsibility, creating a unique hybrid approach to affordable housing.
The co-op's development has involved extensive community outreach and engagement, with residents playing a key role in shaping the project's design and amenities.
The co-op's funding from the state's "Shared-Equity Homeownership Pilot Program" reflects a broader policy shift towards innovative affordable housing solutions in Oregon.
The co-op's success may pave the way for similar affordable housing developments in other communities, as the model demonstrates the potential for resident-owned, community-controlled housing.