N.I.C.E. COTTAGE COMMONS
A Rural Affordable Housing & Community Stewardship Pilot Project
Prepared By: Martine Rohlfing Founder & Executive Director of The N.I.C.E. Foundation
Proposed Service Area:
Forest Grove, Gaston, Cornelius, Carlton, Yamhill, Newberg, and surrounding communities in Washington and Yamhill Counties, Oregon
N.I.C.E. Cottage Commons is a small-scale housing development designed to address the growing shortage of attainable housing in rural Oregon communities.
The project combines a private on-site steward residence with a cluster of thoughtfully designed cottage homes that provide affordable and stable housing opportunities for local residents while preserving open space, neighborhood character, and quality of life.
Unlike large apartment complexes, Cottage Commons emphasizes dignity, privacy, community connection, and environmental stewardship.
The project is intended to serve as a demonstration model that can be replicated throughout rural Oregon communities facing housing shortages.
Project Vision
N.I.C.E. Cottage Commons creates a small neighborhood-scale housing community where residents can enjoy:
• Attractive cottage homes
• Private outdoor space• Shared green space
• Walking paths
• Community gathering areas
• Landscaped grounds
• Long-term housing stability
The development is designed to demonstrate that affordable housing can also be beautiful, peaceful, and community-centered.
Proposed Cottage Commons Concept read more…